I have read from reliable Sources that the Built-In Firewall in Vista OS is primarily

"Rules"- based; most people prefer an "Applications"-based firewall which seems

easier to operate . IF interested in the latter, I recommend you check out the FREE

firewall at http://www.pctools.com/firewall/ ; this is assuming you do NOT have a

64-bit Operating System !? IF you successfully install this firewall & it works, you

MUST "Disable" the Windows Firewall .

IF "switching" firewalls does NOT resolve your problem and you continue to be

unable to "Update" your security programs, you should seriously consider

"switching" from bloatware Symantec/Norton to other antivirus and

antispyware/antitrojan programs .

Another "thing" to try when you lose your internet connection is to click "Run", type "cmd",

click "ok", then type "netsh winsock reset" and go from there . This has been a "remedy"

on Win XP SP2 Operating Systems, but do NOT know IF it is applicable to Vista !?

Perhaps you have a malware "infection" that disallows "Updates" !? What Security

programs, other than your firewall, do you have on this computer ? PLEASE be SPECIFIC .

Have you had any recent experience battling a malware "infection" ? IF yes, give

SPECIFICS .

For a "2nd Opinion" to Symantec, since it has a very poor 18% "Prevention rate", and IF

your computer will allow it, I recommend you run One or 2 "Online" Scans, namely the

One at http://www.kaspersky.com/virusscanner and/or the Online spyware scanner at

http://www.ewido.net/en/ . IF either detects anything, write down its "Name" and Post

the Name(s) next time .