Tech, thanks but so far no indication of any problems with 256 megs.
Only one oddball behavior I’ve noted, and while that could be just a coincidence of timing (started right after installing Comodo) I don’t believe in such things, at least not on computers.
Now when I download JPGs, especially relatively large ones, they progressively display fairly large “chunks” at a time, as much as 1/4 or even 1/2 of the image, with long waits in between additional portions. I’ve been accustomed over the years to JPGs loading and displaying a few additional lines at a time.
But total download time for the image seems to be about the same as always, so it’s a curiosity thing rather than a speed problem. Over at Comodo, they suggested a problem with Firefox setup, but I haven’t touched that in ages and it’s been a while since the last update (to 2.0.0.2). The timing certainly seems to point at Comodo.
My ISP (unfamiliar with Comodo) suggested that one possibility is that Comodo “sits on” a large number of packets while checking and releases many to the system at once. Over at the Comodo forums, they don’t even seem to understand what I mean when I raised that suggestion.
Do you have copy of the email that you’ve changed with your ISP?
Maybe someone from Alwil (maybe pk or vlk) could give us some light about firewall behavior… 8)
No, sorry Tech - this was by phone discussion. I’ve got one of the rare ISP’s whose help desk is actually knowledgeable, usually helpful, and 24/7. 
Hi All
Today’s Special - new release PC Tools Firewall http://www.pctools.com/firewall/
“Released: March 5, 2007
Size: 3,734 KB
Platforms: Designed for Windows Vista, XP, 2000 and 2003 server”
more details: http://www.pctools.com/forum/showthread.php?t=45618
and definitely check their forum before trying it! http://www.pctools.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=30
Vlad
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I up graded to the new version of PC Tools Firewall Plus 2.0.0.9. Now 2 problems I was having are fixed in this new version. It keeps getting better, although this new version uses more RAM, 10mb vs 4mb.
N.B. small but significant change in spec.
“Platforms: Designed for Windows Vista 32-bit, XP, 2000 and 2003 server”
Apparently Vista 64-bit was never actually supported.
PCTools Firewall Pro v. 2.0.0.12 (FREE) is working like a charm on my Vista Installation.
As easy to use as ZoneAlarm but, can also be rule based for those of you smarter than me… ;D
Thanks Dan for the heads-up
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it is a great simple easy to use firewall…i replaced the za free on my hp laptop with the pc tools firewall pro and also put it on my quad vista machine…both are working great-glad i could inform you of this firewall bob and now you don’t have to wait for a za vista firewall whenever that will be ??? :
DavidR
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Have you run it by the usual firewall tests. grc.com ‘shields up’ and firewallleaktester.com, etc.
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davidr-it did paste the shields up test here on my end-all green on the all service ports test 
DavidR
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Shields Up is fine the other key area is outbound protection and currently the only way to test that is the leak tests.
It would be nice if this would prove to be a competent user friendly freeware firewall to take over from ZA free (if it also supports win9x), which had a great user friendly interface. Unfortunately ZA free is becoming a bit of a bloat-ware monster installing lots of trial applications, not to mention the various issues with the later updates and lack of support for the win9x OSes.
David the leaktest only works on XP it’s not Vista compatible…
DavidR
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@ OrangeCrate
I generally don’t like recommending Old versions of Security software, especially if the updates were security related, rather than adding more bells and whistles, unfortunately it is many years since I used ZA.
For me some of these issued that were fixed may have improved things rather than just bells and whistles.
[b]New and improved features in ZoneAlarm version 6.1.744.000[/b]
* Fixed - Service stability issue
* Fixed - Communicate with the centralized server issue
* Fixed - Overlapped text in support and update information
* Fixed - Various other bug fixes
New and improved features in ZoneAlarm version 6.1.737.000
* Fixed - Compatibility issues with Adaptec USB driver
* Fixed - Nortel VPN can not connect
* Fixed - Compatibility issue when System Mechanic Startup Guard is enabled
* Fixed - PdaNet can’t connect
* Fixed - VSNET 2003 issues
* Fixed - TrueVector application error in event viewer log
* Fixed - High vsmon CPU usage
* Fixed - “Deny” Button in program alert pushed off the edge
* Fixed - Icons lost in program list after upgrade
* Fixed - PC Cillin 2006 issue
* Fixed - System stability issues
* Fixed - Various other bug fixes
New and improved features in ZoneAlarm Antivirus version 6.0.667.000
* Fixed - POP email not working when co-existing with NAV
* Fixed - Free ZA blocking some Remote access software from accessing ZA Alert notifications
* Fixed - Propel compatibility issue
* Fixed - Multiple ‘loopback’ entries in firewall zones after upgrade
New and improved features in ZoneAlarm Antivirus version 6.0.631.003
* Fixed network detection issue.
New and improved features in ZoneAlarm version 6.0.631.002
* Routine maintenance items
Thanks Bob, my concerns were also if it is compatible for older OSes as I couldn’t find a system requirements on the PCTools site
Version 1.2 of leaktest is Vista compatible and
PC Tools Firewall Passed the test
Enlarge picture for a full view
So David, would you care to point out to me on that list, what exactly improves those upgraded versions’ ability to be a firewall?
It looks like system stability issues and bug fixes to me… Right?
Edit:
By the way, virtually all of their changes since being acquired by Check Point have been “bells and whistles”. It’s been the same basic firewall engine since 4.whatever.
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Platforms: Designed for Windows Vista™ 32-bit, XP, 2000 and Server 2003
davidr-does this help at all-this is all it said for system requirements
and the leaktest passed on both of mine too ;D
Sorry OrangeCrate,
I hate to disagree but IMHO, security programs of any type should always be as up-to-date as possible.
