Nerdy Zone Alarm question?

[bvar22]

Just upgraded to Zone Alarm Pro. After logging on, I am asked if I want to allow:

1)Generic Host Processer for Win32

2)Generic Host Processer for Win32 to act as server

What is this, and should I allow access to I-Net?

[blackcat77]

1. I don't know exactly what it is, but I allowed it.

Did they ever get ZA to quit locking up people's computers? I had that program for YEARS but when 5.0 came out, it completely destroyed my Windows installation and I've never even considered going back even though I still had over a year on my agreement with them.

[bvar22]

2. I've been using ZA....

....for several years and haven't had a "locking" problem . I sometimes have to adjust the security levels.

I have allowed the Generic Host Process for Win32 because if I say NO, Internet Explorer can't log on.

[UL_Approved]

3. Proxy/firewall terminology

This message has to do with how the firewall passes information through itself. A firewall is a program that repeats information to and from applications and network interfaces. It also filters this information based on certain traffic allowances and rules. Allowing the Generic Host Processor for Win32 allows a driver for packet forwarding (information passing) to and from applications like web browsers and download clients/etc. Allowing it to act as a server will let you run something like a web server, Shoutcast server, or other network services. You probably won't need that option unless you are serving files or something. Allowing internet access will give programs direct access to the internet instead of forwarding traffic of certain protocols through a filter. Use this only if you can't get things to work.