disconnect from internet

[Mad Monk]

First off, I like to introduce myself: despite having for many years a pc, I am still a novice. Please read my short bio on my web site.

I will look through all the postings to try to learn more.

I had on my old pc Norton System Works and Zone alarm. Both had a "disconnect all trafic button" which allowed you to leave the pc on while away and be safe from intrusions.

Now I have bought the HP a6418f with Windows Vista Premium. Since ZoneAlarm and NSW is not compatible with vista, I left those off, and replaced my NSW with Norton 360.

Is there any place in windows where I can do the same? i.e. make a shortcut on my desktop to Internet connections? Or is that not necessary having Norton 360?

Furthermore, In Vista premium, the guestbook on my web site does not load. the load bar does move, but it will not connect. Is that because Vista premium is not compatable with the script from the Bravenet guest book? I placed a pic of the place where I thought I could just disable the connection, but I did not dare to do so since there are three other pc's hooked on a hub.

[ɹəuəllıʍ ʇɐb]

Welcome to the Windows Forum.

There are not many members here who will be able to assist you with Symantec/Norton products, as many of us have had negative experiences with their software. I, for one, will not let any such product on my machines ever again.

As for ZoneAlarm, I don't know where you got the information that it is not compatible with Vista. ZoneAlarm 7.1 was especially built for Vista, but I don't know how well it actually performs (I do not have Vista).

Naturally you should not run more than one firewall, so if that Norton product contains a firewall, you may be stuck with it. Unless you can deactivate it, and then install ZoneAlarm.

[andsome]

I agree wholeheartedly with Pat regarding Norton. NEVER EVER AGAIN. If you are going to install Zone Alarm or any other security system, it is essential that you do not download it online while you have no protection. Leave the Norton on and download to a folder, then burn the new security suite to a CD ready for installation. However, before installing, I would recommend that you download Norton removal tool, as it is extremely difficult to remove completely unless you are happy about entering the registry to get rid of all that it is certain to leave behind. :D All the best.

[Mad Monk]

I agree wholeheartedly with Pat regarding Norton. NEVER EVER AGAIN. If you are going to install Zone Alarm or any other security system, it is essential that you do not download it online while you have no protection. Leave the Norton on and download to a folder, then burn the new security suite to a CD ready for installation. However, before installing, I would recommend that you download Norton removal tool, as it is extremely difficult to remove completely unless you are happy about entering the registry to get rid of all that it is certain to leave behind. :D All the best.

I was told that ZoneAlarm Pro and Norton System Works could have some compatibility issues with Vista Premium. This PC came with a 60 day Norton virus scanner, but I had already the Norton 360 cd. I did uninstall the trial version with the Norton removal tool. I must say that I never had too many problems with any of the symantec products over the years. I still have nearly a year of subscripion updates left with ZoneAlarm, but like to know if the Norton 360 is enough. I have too much trouble trying to configure all the options that various programs can do. That was the main reason of changing to Norton 360.

While I am at it, I used to have also Ad-Aware and Spybot Search and Destroy. Would it be adviseable to get those installed as well? I heard that there will be no more support for Ad-Aware.

That leaves me with the question about a disconnect from the internet feature, without having to shut down the PC or remove the cable from the hub.

Thank you for replying thus far.

[catgate]

Like all good things that get taken over for greed, all Norton software went down hill from the moment it was taken out of the hands of Peter Norton. Forget it, and saver your self hassle and money.

Zone Alarm is top notch.

Spybot Search and Destroy is excellent from my point of view although a few WF members have their own favourites. I am a fan of AVG too.

[Scarecrow Man]

Comodo & Clam replace ZoneAlarm & Norton for 100% less the cost.

[Mad Monk]

Comodo & Clam replace ZoneAlarm & Norton for 100% less the cost.

I am just wondering, what is in it for the suppliers of free software. I tried several times "free" software that ended up being good for a limited time. The same with the free scans of your PC, they find litterally hundreds of errors and fix only a small part. So now I am kind of leery to download "free" stuff that might, or might not be beneficial and in fact sometimes create problems. Since I have now started with a clean system, I like to avoid cluttering it up with needless programs. For most of them have not a clue how to utilize them to their best potential. For instance in Zonealarm I only used the default settings and with the free updated Search and Destroy I got worried every time it asked, if I allowed the changed registry key setting after installing something.

Therefore my question: is the Norton 360 along with the windows own security program good enough.

[andsome]

Some of the free Anti Malware programs are not free at all. As you say they find hundreds of false positives and then want paying for the pro version. Some are completely free for the home user, unless they wish to purchase the pro version for the extra facilities. They can do this because they know that many home users also work in I.T., and will recommend their software at work, they are also aware of the fact that many people having tried the freeware will want to buy the improved product. Personally, I pay for my AV and Firewall, using Nod 32 security suite, one of the best available at a very reasonable price. My other security programs are all free. I recommend SUPERAntiSpyware Free, Spybot S & D, A Squared and Spy ware Terminator. These are all excellent well recommended programs. You have asked for opinions about Norton, and received answers in the negative. It has to be your choice, it is your computer. Personally, once bitten, twice shy. NEVER AGAIN. :D

[Mad Monk]

Some of the free Anti Malware programs are not free at all. As you say they find hundreds of false positives and then want paying for the pro version. Some are completely free for the home user, unless they wish to purchase the pro version for the extra facilities. They can do this because they know that many home users also work in I.T., and will recommend their software at work, they are also aware of the fact that many people having tried the freeware will want to buy the improved product. Personally, I pay for my AV and Firewall, using Nod 32 security suite, one of the best available at a very reasonable price. My other security programs are all free. I recommend SUPERAntiSpyware Free, Spybot S & D, A Squared and Spy ware Terminator. These are all excellent well recommended programs. You have asked for opinions about Norton, and received answers in the negative. It has to be your choice, it is your computer. Personally, once bitten, twice shy. NEVER AGAIN. :D

Thank you for the replies. I would like to use Spybot S & D again because of the many recommendations. Is it safe then to click allow when the program ask if I want to allow the change?

[andsome]

Some of the free Anti Malware programs are not free at all. As you say they find hundreds of false positives and then want paying for the pro version. Some are completely free for the home user, unless they wish to purchase the pro version for the extra facilities. They can do this because they know that many home users also work in I.T., and will recommend their software at work, they are also aware of the fact that many people having tried the freeware will want to buy the improved product. Personally, I pay for my AV and Firewall, using Nod 32 security suite, one of the best available at a very reasonable price. My other security programs are all free. I recommend SUPERAntiSpyware Free, Spybot S & D, A Squared and Spy ware Terminator. These are all excellent well recommended programs. You have asked for opinions about Norton, and received answers in the negative. It has to be your choice, it is your computer. Personally, once bitten, twice shy. NEVER AGAIN. :D

Thank you for the replies. I would like to use Spybot S & D again because of the many recommendations. Is it safe then to click allow when the program ask if I want to allow the change?

When I set up Spybot S & D I did not install Teatimer because I was not happy that I understood all the options. Regarding any Malware I let it have its own way with that. But I always create a restore point before doing any Spyware Scans.

You would also be advised to purchase a plug in hard drive and save a mirror image in Acronis in case of future problems. :D

[Mad Monk]

Some of the free Anti Malware programs are not free at all. As you say they find hundreds of false positives and then want paying for the pro version. Some are completely free for the home user, unless they wish to purchase the pro version for the extra facilities. They can do this because they know that many home users also work in I.T., and will recommend their software at work, they are also aware of the fact that many people having tried the freeware will want to buy the improved product. Personally, I pay for my AV and Firewall, using Nod 32 security suite, one of the best available at a very reasonable price. My other security programs are all free. I recommend SUPERAntiSpyware Free, Spybot S & D, A Squared and Spy ware Terminator. These are all excellent well recommended programs. You have asked for opinions about Norton, and received answers in the negative. It has to be your choice, it is your computer. Personally, once bitten, twice shy. NEVER AGAIN. :D

Thank you for the replies. I would like to use Spybot S & D again because of the many recommendations. Is it safe then to click allow when the program ask if I want to allow the change?

When I set up Spybot S & D I did not install Teatimer because I was not happy that I understood all the options. Regarding any Malware I let it have its own way with that. But I always create a restore point before doing any Spyware Scans.

You would also be advised to purchase a plug in hard drive and save a mirror image in Acronis in case of future problems. :D

Yes, I did save my HD from the old PC and bought an external case for it. Furthermore, I bought the recovery discs from HP.

I know that one can make recovery cd's with the Vista, but I found it simpler just to order them :)

[Mad Monk]

Some of the free Anti Malware programs are not free at all. As you say they find hundreds of false positives and then want paying for the pro version. Some are completely free for the home user, unless they wish to purchase the pro version for the extra facilities. They can do this because they know that many home users also work in I.T., and will recommend their software at work, they are also aware of the fact that many people having tried the freeware will want to buy the improved product. Personally, I pay for my AV and Firewall, using Nod 32 security suite, one of the best available at a very reasonable price. My other security programs are all free. I recommend SUPERAntiSpyware Free, Spybot S & D, A Squared and Spy ware Terminator. These are all excellent well recommended programs. You have asked for opinions about Norton, and received answers in the negative. It has to be your choice, it is your computer. Personally, once bitten, twice shy. NEVER AGAIN. :D

Thank you for the replies. I would like to use Spybot S & D again because of the many recommendations. Is it safe then to click allow when the program ask if I want to allow the change?

When I set up Spybot S & D I did not install Teatimer because I was not happy that I understood all the options. Regarding any Malware I let it have its own way with that. But I always create a restore point before doing any Spyware Scans.

You would also be advised to purchase a plug in hard drive and save a mirror image in Acronis in case of future problems. :D

Yes, I did save my HD from the old PC and bought an external case for it. Furthermore, I bought the recovery discs from HP.

I know that one can make recovery cd's with the Vista, but I found it simpler just to order them :)

Thanks Guys, Zone labs finally send me the correct information and link. All is OK now like it was with my Windows XP Home.

ps. there was no need to fiddle with the UAC or shutting down the Norton 360 security suite. (just in case someone else runs into this type of problem)

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