Hi, I posted somewhere else on this(http://computing.net/windows95/wwwboard/forum/159568.html), then someone directed me to the threads here that recommend going back to version 4.5. I didn't see anyone referring specifically to the free version, and also tried ZA's forums and did not see that version specifically implicated. I wanted to add that I saw someone here recommending the paid version 5.090.15 (ok, that's from memory cuz my PC is partially frozen right now. Hopefully you know which one I mean) as being more "fixed," but that is the number of my free version too, and the problem I'm having (that I've noticed so far) is it alerting me that programs I go to give access to the Internet "..HAVE CHANGED since last time..." when I am pretty sure that isn't true. So, still some problem(s) with it. So in my case, my questions are: 1] Should I assume there are bugs in all 5.0 versions, free also; and that going back to 4.5 is best in all cases? (I hope 4.5 in the free version is still available.) 2] To know when upgrade is safe, should I again follow the lead of people discussing paid versions and assume it applies to free ones? (meaning, upgrade when people at ZA or this forum stop reporting problems) 3] Do 5.0 bugs also mean that it doesn't protect right, *not* just that it causes some inconveniences? 4] Will 4.5 be current enough on protection? (I always picture it the same as needing all AV updates to be current but maybe it's different) 5] Since the above (false program change alerts) is my only known problem, any chance I should just keep 5.0 and allow the programs access? (I'm pretty confident they are false, and have done virus, trojan, etc. testing) THANKS! :^ )

"Should I assume there are bugs in all 5.0 versions" As far as I can tell, YES.

The person who recommended the paid 5.0 version could of been me. Did you mean that you're using version 5.0.590.043, the version after 5.0.590.15? I'm currently using 5.0.590.043, and have so far not experienced any problems. Although, I'm not the best person to listen to, because I've heard that Zonealarm was causing problems for people's antivirus programs, and I don't use an antivirus that Zonealarm recognizes. For the time, I'd recommend downloading version 4.5 at http://download.zonelabs.com/bin/free/1023_zl/zlsSetup_45_594_000.exe And for your second question, when there's an update for the paid version, there's usually the same update for the free version.

Spoc, Sysgate has a free firewall also. I have ZA free and it works okay but I disable it and primarily use Sysgate while on the internet. Here is a link to free Sysgate Firewall download: http://smb.sygate.com/products/spf_standard.htm JPQ

Hi Laura, it was on another recent ZA thread where someone said the .15 version in the paid one had been better for them. Mine is the free one by the same number, but does have a false alert problem. Thanks for letting me know there is an even higher version, but like you also mentioned, I guess I'd probably go back to 4.5 and wait til all complaints settle down. I'm assuming people are still complaining about all 5.0 versions (though apparently it is working well for you...) JPQ, I didn't know about that one. I'll look at it too, thanks.

I second JPQ, dump ZA and go with Sygate or Kerio. I have Sygate, works just fine (free edition), and word goign around the various forums is that ZA is going down hill, going to frillsville, and premature releasing (hence the bugs). I'd say just cut your losses and use soemthing effective. Thresher

There is a free version of computer associates etrust ez firewall and antivirus included with the microsoft security updates cd from a few months back. If you have the cd, that firewall is just like zone alarm version 4.5. It's good for a year. If you don't have the cd, I'd go with sygate.