Hey, computer gurus

[Mack]

Who out there has DSL? I have a computer issue/question and wondered whether you have come across this. :help:

Since I got BellSouth DSL less than two months ago, I've found it difficult to get and stay online. I'd say about 75 percent of the time when I first boot up for the day, I do not get an Internet connection despite my modem showing me that all is well. I have to restart or reboot 2-3 times before finally getting a connection. Sometimes, when my computer is on but is idle for a while, I will also get hung up and have to reboot 2-3 times. BellSouth technogeeks determined that the firewall -- Zone Alarm -- I have installed on my computer is the culprit.

So, I've removed Zone Alarm from my startup menu and, so far today, haven't had anymore problems. We'll see how long that lasts.

Sounds familiar to anybody? Comments? :dunno1:

[Courtknee]

I have DSL and something like that happened with my wireless connection too. I am not sure if it was the firewall so much as the encryption that was on it. My computer would recieve data over the connection but not send it. This happened at my house and my boyfriend's house and we have the same kind of DSL - SBC Yahoo. Once we took the encryption/password off, it works just fine. I'm sure taking off the encryption is not advised, but I was sick of not being able to connect!!

Doesn't sound like your problem but thought I'd throw it out there since it does have to do with DSL. :)

[Me&DappledDuo]

Was it the freebie version that gave you trouble? I wouldn't be surprised. It can be SO tempermental! I've never had an issue with it on my cable connection, but it hung my connection repeatedly when I had DSL. I switched to Norton's FW (my job provides) and didn't have a problem.

Zone Alarm has a decent support forum- I'm sure I got an answer there... but it was waaaaaay back and, if I remember correctly, annoyed me with it's ambiguity. :)

See http://www.firewallguide.com/software.htm for some good tips.

And THIS ONE: http://www.computergripes.com/ZoneAlarm.html is fun to read if you don't want to feel alone. :lol:

[Mack]

I got some good information from your links. When I was having problems before, I called up Task Manager and noticed several times that "vsmon'' was not responding. I wasn't sure what that was, and then I saw in one of your links that it is related to Zone Alarm. So, I think I'll just disable the software, or remove it. Yes, it was the freebie download version I was using.

[Steven]

Mack, you could also try a "tweak test" to see if you can get more out of your connection. Go to DSLreports.com Tweaks (http://www.dslreports.com/tweaks) Once there, hit start and when it's finished hit get results. It'll show you what you can do as well as some information on how to change the settings. If you have any problems with that, let me know and I'll be glad to help.