Which is better, Zone Alarm Suite or Mcafee

[Compworld]

I was thinking on either buying the Zone Alarm Pro Suite or upgrade my Mcafee software (virus and firewall). Which one is better in terms of reliability and security?

Thanks,

CompWorld

[encyclo]

Even better, try a router with an integrated firewall - it'll protect your whole network without using up resources on your computer. I bought one last week, and it came in at $40 (Canadian) including taxes. That's, what, about 25 cents in US money?

Add in the free AVG anti-virus personal version into the mix if you're on Windows, and you're set!

[dillonstars]

I just got a new firewall called Outpost and I like it very much (I only have 1 PC but would use the router option if i had a network).

[netscan]

Even without the network, you should still go with the router. Then you wouldn't be compromising system performance for security and you would be ready to go should you add a PC in the future.

I have used ZoneAlarm and Norton Internet Security and, though they are great products, a hardware solution is better.

[tacheman]

In the past I had Zone alarm installed on windows 98 and my system kept crashing. At the time I put this down to using windows 98. When I updated to XP I had the same problems. After some investigation I found out that it was something called 'True Vector Service' (part of zonealarm) which was causing my problems. It seemed that there were many many people having the same difficulties. I resolved my problems by uninstalling Zonealarm. Having said that, I was using the free version of Zonealarm and I know of other people who have no problems with it.

I recommend Sygate Personal firewall which is free and seems to be pretty good.

[txbakers]

To add my voice to the chorus:

neither of the software solutions are acceptable. Zone Alarm keeps crashing and blocking sites that you don't want blocked. Everyone I know who had these installed wound up surfing without them enabled because of the bugs.

Hardware is the best. A simple linksys router is under $50 today.

[dillonstars]

Can I use a hardware router with any kind of modem?

I mostly use a USB ASDL modem, but sometimes have to use a 56k dialup when i am out of the office.

[bull]

Currently using Kerio Personal Firewall 2.1.5 (last free version) for a year now without problems. Of course a hardware solution is better.

[netscan]

Does your DSL modem have an ethernet port? If not, then a software firewall would be your only option(unless you wanted to set up another computer as a gateway, but it would be easier just to get a new modem).

Dialup machines I wouldn't even worry about, just keep your anti-virus software up to date

[dillonstars]

Does your DSL modem have an ethernet port?

No, so I guess I'll stick with Outpost... I tried Kerio for a while too, but really didnt like it very much.