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General discussion

ZoneLabs Software No Longer Recommended

Nov 30, 2003 1:35AM PST

ZoneLabs has shot itself in the foot again. ZoneLabs produces the popular software firewall, ZoneAlarm.

There are a number of people who are upset over the "check for updates" feature in the newest update to ZoneAlarm. The feature in question works in one of two ways. Either it checks for updates automatically or it will pop up a nag box asking for permission to check every time the program is started.

There is no way to stop the prompt and users report that it is extremely annoying. Many users prefer to check for updates manually and are very angry at this unwanted behavior.

If this sounds familiar, that is because ZoneLabs has done something like this previously. Several months ago, ZoneLabs released an update that removed completely the option to turn off update checking from the free version.

Continue reading at http://www.spywareinfo.net/nov25,2003#zonelabs

Discussion is locked

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Re:ZoneLabs Software No Longer Recommended
Nov 30, 2003 5:28AM PST
In the face of these complaints, a ZoneLabs representative says the company will restore the option that turns off the updater, without the nag, and apologizes for the inconvenience.

So, that's strike two...
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To be fair...
Nov 30, 2003 5:50AM PST

Win98

I'm using version 4.5.530.000 and I've never had this problem.

Satisfied with Zone Alarm...

William

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Same Here William...
Nov 30, 2003 6:43AM PST

I installed "free" ZA 4.5.530 on a couple of machines a day or two after it was released and I'm not having any problems so far. I've disabled a couple of options in the "Overview/Preferences" section, plus denied ZA access to the internet in it's own settings, and so far, it hasn't been any problem.

Hope this helps.

Grif

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Re:Same Here William...
Nov 30, 2003 3:33PM PST

I think the reason why Zonelabs will release an update (which will enable users have choose manual update instead of automatic update the program) is because a reg hack was published.

If users will follow the published reg hack they might as well change it back to where it is before Grin

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Re:Re:Same Here William...
Nov 30, 2003 10:10PM PST

Am very well satisfied with ZoneAlarm free version. Either automatic or manual update is satisfactory with me. Although I do prefer manual that can easily be done with the registry hack. It does work!!

So in view of this I would imagine that ZoneLabs will release an update. Whatever the outcome in my opinion ZoneAlarm is about as good a firewall as there is and all the controversay is a lot to do about nothing.

Just my opinion FWIW.

Glenn

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Re:Re:Re:Same Here William...
Dec 1, 2003 7:58AM PST

I agree. I used the free version for 2 years and bought the Pro edition this year.

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Re:Re:Re:Same Here William...
Dec 1, 2003 8:10AM PST
Whatever the outcome in my opinion ZoneAlarm is about as good a firewall as there is and all the controversay is a lot to do about nothing.

True and I agree. I'm also a ZA user (installed in Win98SE).

At least Zonelabs promised to release an update that will allow users to choose between manual or automatic updates.

Happy
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Donna...
Dec 1, 2003 8:30AM PST

Donna,

"At least Zonelabs promised to release an update that will allow users to choose between manual or automatic updates."

I don't understand what all the fuss is about. I've always used the free versions of ZA and I've NEVER had this purported problem.

William

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William :)
Dec 1, 2003 9:25AM PST
I don't understand what all the fuss is about. I've always used the free versions of ZA and I've NEVER had this purported problem

The issue as per Sypwareinfo newletter is It is not acceptable to install software on someone's computer without their permission.

What Glenn wrote is true - the automatic update has nothing to do with ZAs' performance or protection against hackers.


Donna
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William
Dec 1, 2003 10:27AM PST

The "fuss" is just that... a lot of fuss about nothing! As I see it whether the update is manual or automatic most all users will take it. I prefer manual in order to do at a convenient time of my choosing. Automatic would be the same difference except it might be inconvenient for me at that time but in any case I personally would take the update. Technically I suppose the newsletter is correct and permission should be granted before installing software on someone's computer but who is going to refuse ZA updates. Just my opinion! Anyway as noted by you they are going to change the software to allow manual updates. Happy

Where you been?... do you think we need more paintballs? Grin

Glenn

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Glenn...
Dec 1, 2003 11:16AM PST

Glenn,

Good that we are in agreement.

I suppose we will soon have to put the paintball business on indefinite hold before we drive the rest of the membership mad. Happy

I think it is good to have a bit of levity, just did not want to be part of something that would have the membership throwing more than paintballs my way. Happy

William

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Glenn, again...
Dec 1, 2003 2:46PM PST

Glenn,

I do hope you don't think I was asking that you not use the paintball joke whenever you want to. I may do the same. I had thought that in at least one of those threads we had some fun that others probably wished we would not make long threads out of just joking around. Happy

I probably worry too much.

William