AVG vs ZoneAlarm

AVG vs ZoneAlarm

by Kamehameha1081 Nov 13, 2005 7:27AM PST

I recently purchased a new computer and I am looking into getting a new virus scanner and firewall. I am using free versions now. I have ruled out McAfee and Norton because I haven't read many good reviews about their new software. I have narrowed it down to AVG plus Firewall Edition and ZoneAlarm Internet Security Suite. Both products have their advantages, and I have been happy with each companies free versions. I have just one computer not connected to a network. I am sure I can't go wrong with either one. Any help?

Discussion is locked

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Free versions of these suits me just fine...

by glenn30 Nov 13, 2005 7:36AM PST

What's wrong with the free versions of both AVG Antivirus and ZoneAlarm Firewall. I have had nothing but the best of results using both of these for several years.

It's your choice but I wonder why spend money for no more protection... just my thoughts!

Glenn

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I Agree with Glenn...

by Larry38 Nov 13, 2005 8:09AM PST

I have also used AVG and ZA Firewall, for about 2 years. Why Pay for something, when Both of These Products are Excellent and the Price is Right. Free
Sure you can pay for programs that arn't near as good.
JMHO
It's your decision.
Larry

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ZoneAlarm

by Kamehameha1081 Nov 13, 2005 8:25AM PST

I have been happy with the free version of AVG, but the new free version of ZoneAlarm caused the blue screen of death when I loaded a CD/DVD into my rom drive. I got ride of ZoneAlarm free and haven't had that problem since.

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Beware

by auggief Nov 13, 2005 10:30AM PST

Many of us here have had to remove free ZA as version 6 started creating connectivity problems with road runner, our cable server.

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Zone Alarm

by crazeebob2000 Nov 13, 2005 7:10PM PST

You can get version 5.5 here: http://www.pcworld.com/downloads/browse/0,cat,1446,sortIdx,1,pg,1,00.asp

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Use ZA Pro and AVG together

by chiawaikian Nov 13, 2005 9:00PM PST

I recommend using AVG and ZoneAlarm Pro in conjunction. The anti-virus in ZoneAlarm Suite is by Computer Associates (maker of ETrust), which I think is not as good as AVG. However, ZoneAlarm firewall is tops.

ZoneAlarm v6 has some bugs currently. They are being worked out by the development team, so you might like to install v5.5 instead.
http://download.zonelabs.com/bin/free/1026_trial/zapSetup_55_094_000.exe

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Version 5.5

by Kamehameha1081 Nov 14, 2005 5:50AM PST

I just loaded ZoneAlarm 5.5, and I tried some DVD/CDs in my rom drive and it didn't crash, so I'll just see what happens. Thanks for the suggestions.
One more concern, I ran the Crash Analysis Tool Dell gave me and I still get the same message that I did when I had the newest ZoneAlarm on my computer. The results reads as follows:
Category: Application Drivers
Driver: vsdatant.sys
Manufacturer: Zone Labs, Inc
Version: No Version Information Available
Any Thoughts?

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I don't know how to set ZoneAlarm!

by nancy7 Dec 9, 2005 3:19AM PST

I have used free AVG for years. I don't have a firewall. I know I am skating on thin ice. Everybody says Zone Alarm is so great, but all I have is all sorts of messages that are greek to me. I have tried several free and trial versions of ZA over the years. I thought the new so highly rated ZA would work for a regular person, but the trial version got more & more in the way (I was going to buy it after the trial) and finally, after I had to physically unplug the computer to make it shut down, I ditched it. Why can't they advise you of what to do with all these warnings if they are so advanced? They don't reply to cries for help, I am sure not paying for nothing but trouble. What I am I doing wrong?

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Thanks

by auggief Nov 14, 2005 9:25AM PST

I've downloaded and installed 5.5 Will let you know if I have the same problems I had with 6.0

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Zone Alarm

by Maisie663 Dec 18, 2005 5:18AM PST

I am glad to read all this information, sence my last update with Zone Alarm to 61-737-000-en.ex.Compl. I am having problems with AVG, even though the antivirus and email part of Zone Alarm has been disabled. I lost my email scanner and could not get it functioning--I removed the AVG and reinstalled and for 5 days the eemail scanner is working. My suspicion is Zone Alarm as I had problems before is why I disabled the antivirus and email part of it, and when did it straightened out--now the update--so am waiting to see if I keep my scanner--the timing appears be Zone Alarm...update--hope I am wrong. IF another problem I probaly will try an older version of Zone Alarm, I am pleased with it. Thanks folks for that info

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