D17S Posted September 11, 2005 Posted September 11, 2005 We knew that ZoneAlarm firewall gave 1.0 and 1.02 a hard time. The problem is still here with 1.1. It seems LOMAC wants to 'Call Home' (or at least test it's ability to hook-up to an internet connection) during it's initial post-boot program load. LOMAC's initial hookup attempt happens after the initial screen loads, and the user makes his first button push of the FBP, Open Mission, Mission Planner or other button (Fast Action “Fly” loads OK). If ZoneAlarm is running in the background, sometimes LOMAC will make it to the next screen, sometimes it doesn't. If it doesn't, the symptom will be a complete system lockup. The pushbutton stays pressed, the screen’s clock is stopped cold and the keyboard is dead. Pulling the system's power plug and then re-booting the system is the only solution. If LOMAC's going to be run, ZoneAlarm will ask for permission for the program “Lock On” to access the internet. This occurs before the next screen will load. Answering 'Yes' or 'no' does not matter. The next screen will load and the program will now run normally . . . and load and unload: That is until the next reboot . . .or some calendar based timing scheme. LOMAC is trying to get online at the initial screen's first button push. When this attempt occurs, LOMAC can fail into a system lockup and therefore never actually makes it on line. LOMAC is actually crashing because of it's ATTEMPT to get online. That makes me a bit curious. What's up with LOMAC wanting to go online for a non-multiplayer session? Especially with the first button press right off the first main screen? It's OK with me, Heck why not (as long as it doesn’t lock up my box). But, what's up with that? For sure, we've been advised that LOMAC and ZoneAlarm don't get along. I was just hoping this would get resolved. ZoneAlarm is an extremely popular western program. Actually, it’s probably the most well known FREE firewall available. You get what you pay for, sure, but ZA is fine with everything else and people just keep loading it up. There is good news though. It seems this is still a ZoneAlarm specific problem. I tried Sygate and Outpost firewalls and they both allow LOMAC to do it's clandestine thing without locking up. Just to help narrow it down, how about Norton and McAfee: Any problems there? There are easy fixes . . like turn off ZoneAlarm. That works too. But consider this arguement. What brand new customer would guess this? There is no warning. The ZoneAlarm permission pop up never appears. The system just freezes so tight you have to actually shut down and reboot the system. That's the end of LOMAC for any typical flight sim novice (and we need MORE folks on hyperlobby!) ZoneAlarm is on so many boxes, it sure seems that it would be worth it in customer satisfaction (i.e., $$$$$$$) to resolve this issue. Generally, if people buy a game and it gives that kind of grief, it's in the trash. Devs, I think this one's worth fixing.
Gazehound Posted September 11, 2005 Posted September 11, 2005 Get rid of ZoneAlarm, It has a BIG memory leak (at least the free version I have does) which is a real issue if you like your LOMAC! I found it to be quite shoddy, I keep it for making internet calls as norton conflicts with that. Also, I find ocasionaly that if I am not connected to the internet and I am playing lomac sometimes it switches out to the desktop for a connection prompt. Which is annoying and I thought it was spyware doing it but it might be lomac as you describe. VVS504 Red Hammers
D17S Posted September 11, 2005 Author Posted September 11, 2005 I couldn’t agree more. Most of us have it figured out. ZA’s gotta go, for now. . . "But consider this argument. What brand new customer would guess this? There is no warning. The ZoneAlarm permission pop up never appears. The system just freezes so tight you have to actually shut down and reboot the system. That's the end of LOMAC for any typical flight sim novice (and we need MORE folks on hyperlobby!) For sure, we've been advised that LOMAC and ZoneAlarm don't get along. I was just hoping this would get resolved. ZoneAlarm is an extremely popular western program. Actually, it’s probably the most well known FREE firewall available. You get what you pay for, sure, but ZA is fine with everything else and people just keep loading it up."
Battle_Rattle Posted October 2, 2005 Posted October 2, 2005 Trash Zone Alarm at the nearest possible convenience.... It's a program that tries to do way too much and ends up only bugging out in your aforementioned and other ways. The memory leaking, conflicts, not to mention it's a comparative resource hog. All one needs from a software firewall is to prevent unauthorized packets/messages from leaving your PC. My advice.... grab sygate free personal firewall.... it's the cats pajamas :D http://www.download.com/Sygate-Personal-Firewall/3000-2092_4-10332265.html?tag=lst-0-1
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