[Solved] Do i need ZoneAlarm which slows up my pc

[keppy2013]

I have Windows 7 home premium laptop running Google Chrome.

 

For security i have Zone Alarm ,MalwareBytes , Avast version 8.0.1483 . Windows firewall. and whatever may be inbuilt.

 

Avast manages to trap the odd url.

 

I run full scans every week of MalwareByes and Avast.

 

The problem i have is that the pc loads up internet pages annoyingly slow.

 

If i disable Zone Alarm the internet surfing has an almost instant response.

 

How much risk will i have if i was to un-install Zone Alarm....... do i really need it ?

 

I understand my fibre router has a firewalll as well as Windows 7 Would i be safe enough ?

 

I use laptop for email, net surfing, Skype , Yahoo Messenger .

 

Your advice and comments would be appreciated.

 

Regards

Kep

[Starbuck]

Hi Kep and welcome to FPCH.

 

You don't say which version of Zone Alarm you have installed.

If it's just the Firewall version ... then NO you don't need it.

If it's the Anti Virus and Firewall version .... You definitely don't need it.

You are already running the Windows Firewall, this coupled with the hardware Firewall within the router will be adequate.

If you have the AV/Firewall version... this will conflict with Avast and cause all sorts of problems.

 

You won't compromise your security by removing Zone Alarm.

[keppy2013]

HI

Thanks for your prompt reply.

Zone Alarm is Free Antivirus + Firewall version 11.0.000.020

Looks like i should remove it......... Thanks for your advice, much appreciated.

Kep

[Starbuck]

Zone Alarm is Free Antivirus + Firewall version 11.0.000.020

This would definitely explain the slowness you are encountering.

 

Safe surfing. http://fc08.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2010/033/b/3/Computer_addict__by_Sinister_Starfeesh.gif

[keppy2013]

I have un-installed Zone Alarm.

 

Taking the query a stage further >>>>

I have exactly the same set up on my old desktop pc . The only difference from laptop is that the pc is running xp and not windows 7. It is directly wired to the router and not wifi.

Safe to un-install ZONEALARM on this pc as well ?

 

Regards

Kep

[Starbuck]

Hi Kep

 

Sorry for the delay in replying, My day time job has been manic for the last couple of days.

 

The only difference from laptop is that the pc is running xp and not windows 7.

This does make a slight difference.

The Win XP firewall wasn't the best that MS came up with. ( they improved things as they went along)

The XP firewall is not a full featured firewall. Normal firewalls allow you to specifically control each TCP and UDP port but XP’s firewall does not provide you with this capability. Instead, it takes a point and click approach to enabling or disabling a few common ports.

With just normal browsing and having the hardware firewall in the router.... you may be ok.

With XP, the Zone Alarm firewall would be a better bet.

But remember to only install the stand alone version of Zone Alarm firewall and Not the Anti Virus/Firewall if you already have an Anti Virus protector installed.

You can download the stand alone version of the Firewall from this link:

http://www.zonealarm.co.uk/security/en-us/zonealarm-pc-security-free-firewall.htm

 

Note:

If running the stand alone version of the Zone Alarm firewall.... you will need to turn off the Win XP firewall or they will conflict.

[keppy2013]

STARBUCK

 

Your help is very much appreciated.

Many thanks

 

Kep