In addition to Tom's input, I think this might help:

I have also been using ZA for years (on Win ME), and although I haven't updated my version, (ZA PRO),
when I installed it on XP recently, I was also surprised to discover what you have discovered - programs
that re-list themselves even after removal from the ZA program list.

This does happen in Win ME, but they only re-list if I use some program that I use once in a blue moon. I
think what I'm seeing in XP are the ''service programs'' that Win ME does not use. As Tom said, ZA is
reputable, and probably has little to do with what XP wants to list in ZA. All that said, just being
listed does not give them access - the programs must still be given permission, or that's how it appears.

XP also has its own firewall, which may also explain programs that seem to be so aggressive, and would
connect automatically if not for ZA.. If your machine is clean and spyware-free, I doubt there's any real
need for concern. I hope this helps.


Al Thompson


----- Original Message -----
From: "g.Computer9f" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Thursday, February 28, 2008 4:12 PM
Subject: [PCSOFT] Zone Alarm VS Commodo Firewall


I just updated ZA which I have used for years. But I'm not happy. Suddenly there are a huge number of
Microsoft program-lets that are now in my programs access list - things I KNOW I never said "yes" to.

When I try to remove them from the list, so I can try to find out what they are by when they seek access,
I'm told if I remove them from the list (which should do nothing except make them ask permission) that
dire things could happen.

If I can't get my old version reinstalled, I may switch to Commodo. Any opinions about the relative
merits of these two firewalls?

--AnnaSummers

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