Zone Alarm Security Suite seems to be halving my connect speed

[Sheila Qwann]

Using ZA Security Suite 5.5 with wideopenwest cable, XP home SP2. Windows firewall is disabled. WOW recently upped my speed from 2 meg to 4 meg. Prior to this, all online speed tests have indicated correctly, about 2.2 meg dl speed. After the change, speed stayed the same; I never got up to the 4 meg. Thinking it was my ISP, I called, they said it's the ZA. I was doubtful, but I uninstalled ZA (simpy disabling it had no effect, but as they insisted ZA is the trouble, I uninstalled) & sure enough, speed tests now say 4.5 meg. So I reinstalled ZA, once again, tests say 2.2 meg. All of these tests are consistant on multiple sites, including WOW's which uses DSL Reports. I guess there are 2 possibilities; ZA is either limiting my connect speed for some unfathomable reason, or it's messing up the tests so they indicate the wrong speed (though it's odd they were always correct on the previous 2 meg connect speed). Any ideas? I really hate the idea of missing out on the extra 2.2 meg.

TIA

Sheila

[PrntRhd]

There have been user forum reports with similar symptoms, but only some users get that problem, and only with some versions.
Is there a specific reason you are using the whole suite thing, or just for the firewall/AV?
Suites like the ZA tend to have these issues, where individual programs do not, such as Kerio firewall and Avast AV in combination.

[Budfred]

You said the MS Firewall is active... Is this true while you are running ZA?? Running two firewalls at the same time can cause a number of different conflicts and that could account for slower speeds...

[PrntRhd]

Windows firewall is disabled
She said it was not enabled.

[Budfred]

Oops.... I misread that... Sorry.... :( :eek: :(

[Sheila Qwann]

Thanks for the replies. Yes, the windows firewall is OFF. To be specific, the ZA suite version is 5.5.062.011. I'm using the suite because it got good reviews in pc mag & elsewhere. I must say though, it's been a bit troublesome. I also have had a problem with Google losing my preferences while it's running, and a few more snags which escape me at the moment. Despite all the Norton bashing one hears, I have to say I never had these problems with Norton av/firewall, my previous setup (2003, as I recall). This losing over 2 meg of connection is really kinda p***ing me off... :( I also posted this in the ZA forum, so far no replies, leave to PC Guide to be 1st!!! :D

Sheila

[PrntRhd]

Well the version is the latest one, and is supposed to be compatable with SP2, so that is not the issue.

[Budfred]

ZoneAlarm used to be one of the best... It has since become bloated and they have some of the worst customer support I have encountered anywhere... I usually recommend the free version of Kerio or Sygate now... If you run Kerio in the simple version, it is easy to use and very lean....

[pop pop]

I dumped ZA when it became a suite. I had the pay version and it became nothing but trouble. Except for office applications, I generally hate suites. Virtually all my security related software are individual applications. I use Sygate (free) now for my firewall(s). I trial-wared the pay Pro version and saw no advantage worthy of the expense. The free version is (now) pretty solid.

[tommy]

I use Sygate (free) now for my firewall(s). I trial-wared the pay Pro version and saw no advantage worthy of the expense. The free version is (now) pretty solid.

I agree. However there are two "current" versions, Version 5.5 build 2710 and Version 5.6 build 2808. Some have had problrems with the latest version so if you want to play it safe, use the 5.5 build 2710. Both are available for download from here (http://smb.sygate.com/free/default.php)


Whoopps -- I forgot you are on XP. 5.5 - 2710 apparently is now available only as PRO (pay for) so I guess the only free one is 5.6 build 2808. You may want to search Sygate's web site to learn more of any potential problems. http://forums.sygate.com/vb/

[Sheila Qwann]

Thanks for the suggestions. I dl'd & am running Sygate 5.6 2808. Seems fine, now dl speed is 4.4 meg :) I'm wondering if there's some way to use only the virus portion of ZA suite? I reloaded it & looked for the option of turning off the firewall all together (setting the levels to "low" still reduces the connection speed & still produces alerts, so even though the program says this is "firewall off" it obviously is not)?

Thanks again

Sheila

[PrntRhd]

AVG and Avast both have free versions of their AV that work well. The ZA Suite AV is actually Computer Associates' based.

[Sheila Qwann]

AVG and Avast both have free versions of their AV that work well. The ZA Suite AV is actually Computer Associates' based.

I'm going to look into those! Thanks again all!

Sheila

[pop pop]

Sygate, AVG, and AVAST all have their adherents here. All three are good programs. Be aware that there can be an issue when combining Sygate with AVAST depending on how you connect to the internet. Malcore has shown evidence that the culpability for the issue lies on the Sygate side. Here's (http://www.pcguide.com/vb/showthread.php?t=36716) the thread with the pertinent information, in case you need it.

I have no problems with the blend of security applications I use, either with the individual apps or conflicts/problems among them. Here's my armory:

Sygate Personal Firewall
AVG
Spybot S&D
Adaware SE Plus (Pay)
SpywareBlaster
TrojanHunter (Pay)
M$ AntiSpyware Beta

and of course FireFox is my browser of choice and Thunderbird is my email application.