I was reading about personal proxy software, and it seemed like one was important for my security. But I also noticed that my zonealarm pro(full stealthed) was doing about the same things personal proxy software would do. Should I still get one? Plus, many people have been advising people asking for a good firewall to get firewalls that aren't zonealarm. Does this mean I should switch?

Thanks

There's no need to get proxy software, unless you're paranoid. All it does is, it directs traffic via a proxy server which not only slows down internet traffic to and from your machine, but can also drop content and load pages inaccurately. BTW FYI most user IPs can be tracked even if you're using a proxy and a lot of secure servers bar proxies altogether. :-S

On the other topic, ZA is a good firewall with all the stealthing and stuff, but it tends to block legitimate traffic at times. If you're an online gamer, stay away from ZA lol, I know because I've been there. To all loyal ZA users, don't start flaming, it's just my opinion. :-D

ER4S3R.
Hope That Helps.

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I am not sure about "personal proxy software."

I use pc-cillin antivirus on one pc. It uses tmproxy (trend micro proxy) to connect. I can still be "seen" if I go to the wrong site (hacking sites).

Research "proxy server" to see how they hide your identity (though it is overkill for casual internet users).

Zone alarm is good. If it works for you, stick with it. Many other firewalls are good too, provided you configure them correctly. Zone alarm's interface is designed to make it easy to configure.

What you are reading are other people's opinions. Take them for what they are - opinions.

Some of my advice (fact, not opinion): you can add to your security by adding a router with built-in firewall or by adding a pci firewall. Hardware firewalls are fairly cheap and will prevent most from getting to your software firewall. If anyone does get through, they still have to deal with your software firewall.

I used to get all kind of scan warnings until I added a router. Now I get virtually none.

If you stay away from bad sites (keygen, hacking, porn, etc), keep updated AV and anti spyware, keep your firewall updated, do not open unsolicited email, disable active x, apply all windows updates right away, etc) you should be fine.

While ZA may have a neat & tidy interface, users tend to look beyond the interface design and focus on the actual functionality of the software.

I've tested this new version, still bloated, some stability issues also it get problems with advanced trojans (not laughly outdated symantec/gibsons tests). Kerio PF 4.0.2, Tiny PF 5 and Agnitum Outpost PF 2 seems to be much better in these areas.
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efabes quote: What you are reading are other people's opinions. Take them for what they are - opinions.
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It good to consider opinions, especially those honest informed ones. They tend to contain facts that aren't provided by the software vendors. :-D

Btw the router in addition to a software firewall is a cool idea, I have one and it works like a gem.

ER4S3R.
My 2 cents (er..pence :-O).

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Let me just clarify (and ad lots of opinions)- I was not speaking for or against any particular firewall. I have had zone alarm work on one system (complletely invisible on every test), and not another (crashed, would not allow connections).

I just wanted to stress to Laura that if it works for her and for how she uses it, then she does not need to worry about switching.
(If she was using an old version of BlackIce, then I would have started a "switch" bandwagon).

My point about zone alarm vs other firewalls was that many are good, but only if configured properly. In my experience, it is harder to "mess up" zone alarm's configuration.

Compared to Kerio (much harder to configure btw, IMO) and Tiny PF, zone alarm is bloated. Compared to Norton, it is NOT bloated.

Well, thanks for your thoughts. I'll soon get a router, and maybe I'll look into Kerio to see what it's all about.