ZoneAlarm Free Antivirus + Firewall 15.8.211.19229

Overview

The ZoneAlarm Free version is one of the best firewall alternatives to the basic Windows Firewall version due to the high number of features and an innovative protection system. The reasons that ZoneAlarm Free is considered to be a noticeably better solution for surfing needs, reside in the ability of cloaking your computer from the external internet environment. Consequentially, since hackers or malicious software cannot actually detect you, the chances of falling victim to third parties are substantially reduced. However, the cloaking abilities of the ZoneAlarm Free are just the tip of the iceberg.

A more in depth analysis of its capabilities reveals the dual-way shielding method of the firewall, the light impact on your computer’s resources and many more. In essence, ZoneAlarm Free will gain you consistent protection free of charge, even though your will have the option of upgrading the external firewall to its paid version, which incorporates even more features. On a side note, keep in mind that ZoneAlarm Free is actually a firewall and it does not eliminate the necessity for an auxiliary anti-virus solution. Let’s take a closer look!

Installation

Following the download of the ZoneAlarm Free installation kit, double clicking on the icon will take you to the first screen that displays its components. The components can be adjusted by checking the “Customize your application” box prior to clicking “Next”. On the lower section, two links guide users to the Terms and Conditions section and the Toolbar Privacy Policy section are also present. It is advisable to keep the ZoneAlarm Free Browser toolbar even though you may be tempted to uncheck it, because it provides silent and invaluable protection against malicious webpage and, unlike other bars, it can be hidden without hindering its effectiveness. On the other hand, the adding or un-checking Bing Toolbar Installation is completely up to you. Specify your name and, optionally your e-mail address, if you are interested in subscribing to the newsletter of the developer, and you are on your way to guaranteed protection. 

Interface

Once you have successfully installed ZoneAlarm Free, you can choose the default means of protection or the customized one. You can also participate in enhancing the security solution by sending anonymous data and enrolling in the community forum. At this point, ZoneAlarm Free will start scanning all the programs on your PC and proceed to adjusting them. If you have chosen to allow it to select the best manner of defense automatically then the changes will occur automatically. On the other hand, the manual protection selection will simply make recommendations. Regardless of which option you choose, once the ZoneAlarm Free settings are applied, the system will need to be restarted in order for them to come into effect.

The access other programs or external users have to your computer can be adjusted via the Firewall option on the left side of the main window. At the same time, from that subsection you will gain access to the overview, the preferences of the program and the About section. The main central window indicates the functions of the program that are available, which in the free version of ZoneAlarm only includes the Firewall. However, clicking on the link above the larger button will convey entry to a real time protection log.

Pros

The most improvements have been added to ZoneAlarm Free in the 9.2 upgrade, so it is no coincidence that many people prefer it to its older versions. One of the standout capabilities is instantly detecting the presence of a WiFi network and choosing the best course of action that would provide maximized protection. Furthermore, due to the behavioral detection method employed, ZoneAlarm Free is able to eliminate a high percentage of false positives. At the same time, even given the powerful protection, its functioning will not reflect in constant annoying messages or a notable slowdown of your browser. Furthermore, installing the toolbar grants entry to 2 GB of external data storing capabilities.

Cons

Users have experienced certain issues with non-working Firefox plug-ins following the installation.

Alternatives

The list of similar programs in this category includes: PC Tools Firewall Plus, Kerio Personal Firewall and Outpost Firewall Pro.   

Conclusion

ZoneAlarm Free is an excellent external dual-way Firewall solution that does not hinder the system resources and provides an excellent protection job, but some browser plug-ins are deemed ineffective whilst it is running.