If you have two computer networked together, does Zone Alarm blocks the connection between the two computers? That's what happened to me last time I installed Zone Alarm. I cou;dn't have access to the other computer at all. Is there a way to configure ZA so that doesn't happen?(btw, I like the font)
hmm, when i read there was a how to on configuring ZA, i thought..cool... but..this isnt much more than a simple help file, in fact from what i recal reading at ZA's site, they have a nice little help secion (just click help in ZA's interface).
perhaps your how to could contain something a bit more in depth, like explaining how to set it up for various game servers effectively, and doing more on ports and port blocking in ZA.
as i have found its not as simple as sliding a slider up and down to attain a decent level of security, and run a part time server.
just my 2 cents..not trashing you..this is merely constructive criticism..other than that..i like your site, nice layout..
If you are using a home LAN, you are (should be) using non-routable IPs (i.e. 10.x.x.x, 192.168.x.x). If this is the case, you can allow for access by any computer on your LAN by setting up a range for your trusted computers. Keep in mind this only allows the computers to make connections - you still need to make sure you have set up correct permissions for each user, etc (difference between Win9x and NT/2K should be noted here.)
Re-read the article, and really consider this paragraph, as this is what you are looking for...
"Advanced security: Click on the advanced button to call the advanced security properties dialog. This is where you name trusted subnets and computers with whom you are sure it is safe to carry on internet communications and whose files you trust enough to do file sharing with them."
Yeah I know what you mean. First of all this was my first attempt to put an article together. Second: There is not much to configure freely in ZA. It's a good tool for beginners but is not as comprehensive as other firewalls (you may have to pay for) and therefore may not suit the advanced user best. The problem is that most of the functions are automated in ZA.
I take your criticsm seriously and will try to remember it the next time I'm to write an article. Thanks for your time reading though! stay tuned.
ZoneAlarm only blocks local traffic if its not recognizing the Local Zone correctly. Go to the Security Settings and click the "Advanced" button. Make sure there is a check mark beside your network card under "Adapter Subnets". Also set the security slider to medium or lower for the Local Zone. I have ZA running on my XP machine serving the internet to four other computers on our LAN and it works like a charm. Much better than XP's built in firewall!
MMM.. I think different Zone alarm will work for power users too. I think there wouldn't be from anyone if this guide was labled as starter or basic. This was actually a great article and even covered the question of the first reply (can i use ZA and still connect over a local network). Booth of you are correct being that most of ZA's setup is just slideing the bars and settings privlages and that it isn't all that simple. In the same light anyone that has to let certin ports be open (which most times allowing the program to act as a server would work insted at high levels)would probally want to run ZA pro. So a good place to start with intermediate would be using za pro with you NAT server, running a packet sniffer to find what ports are needed. Za will actually work just fine if on a direct connection. The Final level would probally tackle problems like when ZA / Pro have trouble loading Vsmon or when it loads ans says its working but ill fail the leak test untill its reloaded a few times (nope can't help here havn't figured any of it out). Happy Surfing
I like your (original) article Rancho. When can we expect more in-depth on gaming and ZA Pro? It is very well putt for a first attempt. Happy fraggin' to you as well!
but..this isnt much more than a simple help file, in fact from what i recal reading at ZA's site, they have a nice little help secion (just click help in ZA's interface).
perhaps your how to could contain something a bit more in depth, like explaining how to set it up for various game servers effectively, and doing more on ports and port blocking in ZA.
as i have found its not as simple as sliding a slider up and down to attain a decent level of security, and run a part time server.
just my 2 cents..not trashing you..this is merely constructive criticism..other than that..i like your site, nice layout..
Re-read the article, and really consider this paragraph, as this is what you are looking for...
"Advanced security: Click on the advanced button to call the advanced security properties dialog. This is where you name trusted subnets and computers with whom you are sure it is safe to carry on internet communications and whose files you trust enough to do file sharing with them."
I take your criticsm seriously and will try to remember it the next time I'm to write an article. Thanks for your time reading though! stay tuned.