Zone Alarm and satellite connection

My friend has a new computer and as with the old, he is getting a lot of dropouts. The telephone company is coming to check the line next week but meanwhile his ISP has told him to take off Zone Alarm, which I put on for him, as it is conflicting with the satellite. He was also told it is preventing him opening attachments to his emails.

He has Windows XP, a modem dial-up connection and satellite for downloads.

Is there any truth in what he has been told? He has no idea of security, had never heard of a firewall until I put it on for him so probably thinks I am sabotaging his computer ! He does have an anti-virus running - Vet. He spends most of his computer time on the Internet.

Thanks

Lyn

 

First, if it really is Zone Alarm causing problems, the easiest way to find out is to turn it off (right click tray icon, choose "Shut down Zone Alarm") rather than uninstall and see if the problems go away. If they don't (which they probably won't), then you'll know it's not ZA.

For the dropouts, first thing to check is his email program. If he's using Outlook Express, go to Tools>Options>Connection tab and make sure "Hang up after sending and receiving" is not checked.

For the attachments, in OE, go to Tools>Options>Security and make sure "Do not allow attachments to be saved or opened that could potentially be a virus."

 

Miz

Thanks for reply. Am going to visit him later so will do as you suggested.

Lyn