Computer slower than molasses in January after Zone Alarm update

[Gustavus]

My computer runs Windows XP with SP2 installed. I use Zone Alarm as a firewall and anti-spyware and run NOD 32 as my antivirus. Microsoft issued security update KB951748 a couple of days ago which conflicted with Zone Alarm so that it was no longer possible to go on net. A classic Catch 22 situation. The update prevented you going on net, but you had to go on net to get the Zone Alarm fix. At any rate Zone Alarm promptly issued an update -- version 7.0.483 -- to fix the problem.

I used another computer to get the update and installed it only to find that now I can quite literally play a game of Freecell or solve a Sudoku puzzle while waiting for many web pages to download. I get the bar saying loading etc. and then nothing for incredibly long times. The other machine with the old Zone Alarm and without the MS update still loads in a flash. I have 12 Mbps broadband and all machines are running at 3 GHz or better. I like Zone Alarm for it's firewall, but am about to give up on it. Anyone else having similiar problems and if so have you found a work around? Of course I could play a lot of Freecell or solve a lot of Sudoku puzzles -- but unfortunately I don't like either one. And the delay is not nearly long enough to play a game of chess in Fritz 10.

Thanks for your help.

 

[nordloewelabs]

when I installed my update. I was offered a toolbar add-on for my browser. that was one of the first questions during the installation. guessing that it would add bloat to the system, I said no.

try re-installing your ZA.

 

[Slowlearner]

Zonealarm causing problems - what a surprise - IMHO Zonealarm is bloatware designed to harass you into buying their PRO version and other software . If you are using a router thats setup properly and have updated AV you dont need a software firewall - Uninstall Zonealarm - not an easy task.

 

[vanvock]

No prob for me, I passed on the tool bar too.