How do I disconnect while I don't want to be online?

[bluegypsy]

Hi,
  I used NAV forever, but my son told me about Avast, and I switched last night.  I need to know how I can disconnect, or 'block traffic', like in NAV, since we have cable, and I don't like to keep the system online 24/7.  How do I do this in Avast Home 7?  Thanks, Janice

[DavidR]

avast is an anti-virus it isn't a firewall so it shouldn't need to block traffic (not too sure exactly what you mean but this) or disconnect that is a firewall task. If you are using NIS the internet security package that has a firewall.

So exactly what Norton package are you using ?

[bluegypsy]

Hi David,
   I uninstalled NIS and put in Avast Home, and Zone Alarm, as my firewall.  I tried using the network utility dialog box to connect and disconnect when I want, but like you said, it must be the firewall I need to adjust...I'll try something now...thanks, Janice

[DavidR]

No problem, glad I could help.

The network shield is mainly looking at common routes of entry a number of worms, windows exploits, etc. and not a full firewall as such. With a firewall installed if it is doing its job you shouldn't hear anything from network shield, but it is a good back-up which will be using very little in the way of resources.

If I remember ZA from long ago it has a huge icon, to stop all traffic.

Welcome to the forums.

Stick around and browse the forums, especially the sticky topics at the top of each of the forums, not to mention the avast help file. They provide a wealth of information to help you get the best from avast.

[essexboy]

Right click the Zone Alarm icon in the tray and select LOCK

[Lisandro]

Right click the Zone Alarm icon in the tray and select LOCK

Almost any firewall has this feature.
For Comodo, right click the icon on system tray > Adjust Security Level > Block all.

[Vladimyr]

since we have cable, and I don't like to keep the system online 24/7.

If you have a Motorola 'Surfboard' cable modem, they have a 'panic-button' on the top which maintains your connection but stops all traffic.