User Reviews

ZoneAlarm

ZoneAlarm provides essential protection for Internet users. Combining the safety of a dynamic firewall with total control over applications Internet ...

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Nov 16, 2009
For version:
8.0.298.000

Was a good program.

Interface: 2
Features: 1
Ease of use: 2
Value: 1
Overall:

I have used ZA both free and paid in the past.It did a great job back then. But today it needs to be seriously redone. Matousec's firewall tests have shown them to be serious lacking in security. The paid version only caught 72% of the tests. The unpaid version only stopped 11% of the tests. Making it insecure altogether. I no longer recommend or use either of them. There are far better firewalls to be had.

Review by: Mike132 (16)
Read all 16 reviews by Mike132

Jan 22, 2009
For version:
8.0.020.000

Outstanding freeware!

Interface: 5
Features: 5
Ease of use: 5
Value: 5
Overall:

I really like the free ZoneAlarm version. When you install BE SURE TO CHECK THE 'FREE' VERSION box. I've used it for years. It's a solid product that is friendly to both the basic user as well as the advanced. It has intuitive controls, as well as more advanced capability. It's been heavily used and reviewed, and has maintained a strong acceptance rating throughout. The installation, use, and uninstallation has been clean and uncomplicated. Some of the more 'retail' typical firewalls and 'security suites' are popular but can be resource hogs and can be problematic when uninstalling causing registry nightmares. I have not experienced any of that with the freeware version of ZoneAlarm. Also consider AVG or Avast as your free Anti-virus, and Spybot as your free spyware protection. Spybot does need manual updating but it is an outstanding tool.

Review by: davemiller (3)
Read all 3 reviews by davemiller

Oct 01, 2008
For version:
8.0.020.000

I will use others

Interface: 2
Features: 2
Ease of use: 2
Value: 1
Overall:

ZA is "as basic as I can say" A resource hog, slow startup, becoming bloated, perhaps has been bloated for some time. Any version I try, "and I do give it a chance" seems to only get worse. I think it needs to quit being a showboat like Norton and go back to being the excellent firewall it was years ago. Then I may consider going back to it. I had a dsl issue when I was blocked completely, not resolved yet. It's security is good, I give it that but not enough to make me keep this on my pc. So until the next version.....

Review by: gimpguy (370)
Read all 370 reviews by gimpguy

Jan 06, 2008
For version:
7.0

Good ol' reliable zonealarm

Interface: 5
Features: 5
Ease of use: 5
Value: 5
Overall:

The free version is good. The Pro version is excellent. NEVER use McAfee AntiVirus (or certain other McAfee products) with ZoneAlarm as there are serious conflicts and McAfee will cause your computer to lockup as it boots. It is then very difficult, if not almost impossible, to then uninstall McAfee AntiVirus and you may be forced to reformat your hard disk and reinstall the OS.

Review by: kol2008 (15)
Read all 15 reviews by kol2008

Oct 06, 2007
For version:
6.5

Best freebie firewall software

Interface: 5
Features: 4
Ease of use: 4
Value: 5
Overall:

ZoneAlarm is now upgraded to ZoneAlarm 7.0.408.0. I use Windows XP Home Edition with SP2. As long as the Windows Firewall is disabled you should use ZoneAlarm without any problem. Another thing to bear in mind is to carry on updating the Windows security files. At one stage with an earlier version of ZoneAlarm it did slow down the shutdown procedure to such a state that I had to close down the machine using the Task Manager. I have been downloading the Windows updates manually of late; one of these files may have cleared it. Theres always going to be a hacker getting round any sort of firewall eventually, particularly software versions but ZoneAlarm is the best freebie out there.

Review by: ARD_UK
First post

Jul 31, 2007
For version:
6.5

Im a true ZA fan

Interface: 4
Features: 4
Ease of use: 5
Value: 5
Overall:

Some people say firewalls slow the connection down, specially when it comes to dial-up. It happens ZA doesn`t. I tested it several times with/without it and my speed remains the same. When I had to reformat my HD and used Internet without ZA installed, I had much more reports on Ad-aware, AVG and Spybot S$D. So I say Zone Alarm is pretty efficient, although the newer version warns you too much about outbound connection attempts. It doesn`t have any problem with P2P programs, except the crappy Shareaza. As long as they keep the good work, Ill will be using ZA when I move to broadband.

Review by: MyNameIsSylar (2)
Read all 2 reviews by MyNameIsSylar

Jun 04, 2007
For version:
6.5

Works, but...

Interface: 4
Features: 3
Ease of use: 5
Value: 5
Overall:

For a free firewall it seems okay. But I did get hacked through it and am looking at alternatives.

Review by: pantherman (15)
Read all 15 reviews by pantherman

May 14, 2007
For version:
6.5

Needs a rollback

Interface: 4
Features: 5
Ease of use: 5
Value: 5
Overall:

I am very satisfied with the older product versions, and found them to be more than adequate and quite feature rich and designed with thoughtful simplicity. i cannot say this about any version above 5.5 however and strongly urge that one dig into their own personal archive and replace any new version with an older one or to find a suitable replacement elsewhere, like (rip) sygate, etc. this is an excellent example of flagrant abuse of the word "upgrade" when applied to a newer product revision, as this is nothing more than bloated buggy nonsense and can cripple some machines. it is *not* an upgrade. it is a downgrade. look elsewhere if you don't have the pockets for a hardware firewall, etc. avoid this.

Review by: jackfrost (34)
Read all 34 reviews by jackfrost

Apr 20, 2007
For version:
6.5

Zone alarm

Interface: 3
Features: 3
Ease of use: 3
Value: 3
Overall:

Just as a little background on me, I'm a system admin at an ISP and recently one of our customers asked for help with Zone Alarm free version. After downloading the free version to a test machine, it provided DECENT security over both a LAN and from the internet. However once I executed a port scan from a remote computer I was able to not only detect open/closed ports but Zone Alarm did nothing to stop my intrusion once I started. The overall security from a "script kitty" seems to be quite good, but from another point of view I was able to get past the security in under 10 minutes and gain full access to the machine that had Zone Alarm installed. Overall I would recommend this to the average user but for serious security nothing beats a BSD hardware firewall.

Review by: Dustin
First post

Feb 08, 2007
For version:
6.5

You'll always end up going back to this one.

Interface: 5
Features: 5
Ease of use: 4
Value: 5
Overall:

Experience shows when you use ZoneAlarm. You can tell the programmers know what they are doing. When you click remember it remembers. It doesn't ask you about the same program 40 times. The learning curve on this is about 30 minutes. Support is great, not that you'll need them often if at all. I don't understand the 4star rating.

Review by: mattcn81 (2)
Read all 2 reviews by mattcn81

Jan 19, 2007
For version:
6.5

Nice firewall

Interface: 4
Features: 4
Ease of use: 5
Value: 4
Overall:

Its an Excellent software base fire wall so if anyone is without a firewall should really try this

Review by: hydrowisp (3)
Read all 3 reviews by hydrowisp

Jan 02, 2007
For version:
6.5

Creates more problems than it solves

Interface: 1
Features: 1
Ease of use: 2
Value: 1
Overall:

Ever since I installed ZA-pro, my computer has been so unstable. Windows crashes abruptly. Web browser cookie handling is faulty (even after disabling it, I cannot open some sites). Disable ZA-pro and voila! all problems disappear. Frankly, I would rather use another firewall.

Review by: Avenger
First post

Dec 12, 2006
For version:
6.5

Pass thru

Interface: 3
Features: 2
Ease of use: 2
Value: 1
Overall:

I use to use ZoneAlarm Free and later Pro versions back in the day. I have since moved on to a stronger firewall. One of my customers requested some information on this product so I re-evaled it. This latest version of ZA is a PASS! It causes some faulty errors when booting up IF the machine boots up. Uninstalled rolled back the settings, my test machines work fine again. I recommend looking elsewhere!

Review by: hrwasp (57)
Read all 57 reviews by hrwasp

Sep 04, 2006
For version:
6.0

Could never get it to work right

Interface: 2
Features: 3
Ease of use: 1
Value: 3
Overall:

Tried this firewall several times and could never get it to work right. Between crashing my computer and freezing it on shutdown, it was a real mess. And to top everything it wouldn't uninstall right and even after removing everything from the computer and registry I finally had to format and re-install windows just to get my internet access back. this is NOT a stable piece of software.

Review by: marc57 (2)
Read all 2 reviews by marc57

Aug 27, 2006
For version:
6.0

The best free firewall

Interface: 5
Features: 5
Ease of use: 5
Value: 5
Overall:

ZoneAlarm is definitely the best free firewall program, it protected me from many hacker intrusion attempts, and it also quarantined suspicious e-mail attachments.

Review by: macic6 (2)
Read all 2 reviews by macic6

Aug 19, 2006
For version:
6.0

Great fire wall

Interface: 5
Features: 5
Ease of use: 5
Value: 5
Overall:

It works well for me. It has blocked 29,935 intrusions, with 186 being high rated, since installing ZoneAlarm free about 3 months ago. Without it my PC was very vulnerable. Never having a fire wall for many years prior, I have been very lucky in having no major problems. Having this, in conjunction with Avast, AVG, Ad-Aware, Spybot, SpySweeper and Spyware Blaster, I feel nearly "bullet proof". Thanks for a the great up-front protection.

Review by: Pondejim (7)
Read all 7 reviews by Pondejim

Jul 03, 2006
For version:
6.0

As safe as you feel

Interface: 4
Features: 3
Ease of use: 4
Value: 2
Overall:

ZoneAlarm (Free version) is pretty much a piece of "Personal Firewall for Dummy" or "I feel safe even I know nothing about network" software, It's easy to use for beginners, and for most average users it does its job well. However, for advanced users, it's simply not as good as Sygate or Comodo. Of you really want to use ZoneAlarm, get the Pro version (not free).

Review by: cameos (3)
Read all 3 reviews by cameos

Mar 02, 2006
For version:
6.0

It's the best firewall!!!

Interface: 5
Features: 4
Ease of use: 5
Value: 4
Overall:

ZA is the best firewall because is easy to use it and blocks almost all hackers...I have tested a lot of firewalls and this is the best!

Review by: BJ_Ge0rgE (4)
Read all 4 reviews by BJ_Ge0rgE

Feb 03, 2006
For version:
6.0

Beware if you have multiple users on your pc

Interface: 1
Features: 3
Ease of use: 1
Value: 1
Overall:

If your computer is configured for single use, then ZA v6 will work fine. (I suspect that is the case for those folks who've added ill-tempered posts criticizing the unfortunate people who have suffered.) However, there is a major flaw in Version Six. It blocks internet access on computers with multiple users. Uninstalling does not fix the problem. I am a computer scientist with two decades of experience using PCs and find it very disappointing the ZA appear to be in denial over this. However, check out the many sites on the web where this issue is discussed and you have the crumb of comfort of knowing that you are not alone. A once reliable, easy-to-use firewall can no longer be relied upon. :(

Review by: MartinBell
First post

Dec 23, 2005
For version:
6.0

Listen,all of you lol

Interface: 2
Features: 2
Ease of use: 2
Value: 2
Overall:

Ok, ZoneAlarm was a good firewall at one point. There are many flaws and problems that people will have with any platform, and OS across the world using this firewall. Those of you who slander other people's problems in their posts just is not right. Nobody is perfect as you people claim to be. I know much about computers, and am far from perfect. I too had problems with Zonealarm after it's last release. Thank you. Cheers and Beers

Review by: TechPC
First post

Nov 29, 2005
For version:
6.0

You get what you pay for is still true...

Interface: 3
Features: 3
Ease of use: 1
Value: 2
Overall:

Yahoo messenger and VNC viewer stopped working once I put this firewall on, and I gave these programs full rights. The antivirus did find one trojan, but what good is it if it could not repair or delete it? The same crap is still getting through even with this firewall and it is version 5.5. Thanks for the info about vsmon also and not upgrading to version 6. What good is this program if you have to do a bunch of work to get it to work "normal" and not slow your system down?? Forget [..], used it and uninstalled it and of course it did not totally uninstall. Guess you could buy [..] or some other firewall and then be totally pissed...

Review by: JSoftInc (6)
Read all 6 reviews by JSoftInc

Nov 27, 2005
For version:
6.0

I used to think this was the best.....

Interface: 4
Features: 2
Ease of use: 4
Value: 4
Overall:

This firewall is pretty good. It has a good interface and is simple. I think it's overhyped though. I don't think the security is the best. I passes most firewall tests, but the main drawback is the lack of program control. This means that a trojan can "hijack" other allowed programs without being detected, and as a result, security is compromised. It is not very configurable, though this does make it perfect for the beginner- you can get it up and running very easily. If you don't know anything about firewalls, this is the best program for you. I had some trouble configuring ZA to share network resources. To sum up- it's a good firewall. Simple, and easy to set up. Good for the rookie, but advanced users will want more configurability and features.

Review by: TheDarkLord (7)
Read all 7 reviews by TheDarkLord

Nov 23, 2005
For version:
6.0

Great firewall

Interface: 5
Features: 5
Ease of use: 5
Value: 5
Overall:

I have taken and tried several different firewall programs and have found that the Zone Alarm is the BEST by far for both features and PRICE..... Excellent program if you are looking for a great firewall program, give this one a shot. The price is right and it works great. The place to go if your looking for a program that does what it says , is at Snapfiles.com

Review by: webexpressions (35)
Read all 35 reviews by webexpressions

Nov 16, 2005
For version:
6.0

Problems with new version

Interface: 3
Features: 2
Ease of use: 2
Value: 4
Overall:

The old version worked great, but when i updated to the new version, it started making my pc freeze up and slowed my pc down to the point that i had to manually shut my pc down. when i restarted my pc, it froze up again, finally i was able to access my pc, and try to find out what was happening, and to find some type of remedy to this problem, but after a few pages of searching the net, it wouldn't allow pages to open. at first i thought it was a virus or some type of spyware/malware program in my pc, but it was not anything on my pc, but the za firewall itself. i removed it from my system, and have not had any problems since, also, i have installed a much better firewall, that doesn't cause any of these problems. sure it's a great firewall, but only the earlier version, the newer version is the worst thing that i ever had on my pc. if you can dl the old version, do it, but NEVER dl the updated version.

Review by: DrDeath{KLE}
First post

Nov 15, 2005
For version:
6.0

Good firewall

Interface: 4
Features: 5
Ease of use: 5
Value: 5
Overall:

What`s wrong ,I have used Zonealarm Pro for years with no problems at all. Tried [..] and [..] before with big problems in every sense. Get tired and had used only ZoneAlarm Pro after the horrible experience with [..] and [..].

Review by: ploppe
First post

Oct 28, 2005
For version:
6.0

Learn how to use a firewall correctly!!!

Interface: 4
Features: 5
Ease of use: 4
Value: 5
Overall:

I jus HAD to register here stumbling upon these negative and silly reviews of Zone Alarm by some people here which I was looking for due to an update. I agree with "dirtnap" and his points of views. I simply was laughing at all of you saying how "bad" this firewall works!! I have used this firewall ever since I started protecting my Win 2000 desktop and laptop and I NEVER had any kind of problems with it as far as I can remember! Maybe you guys who run Windows XP (or Windows Xtremely Problematic!) should either get to know your computer better or start using Windows 2000 or NT based Windows versions and define Zone Alarm right. I run AVG Antivirus and Spybot SandD as well as Spywareblaster. Updating my Windows frequently and I got NO problems with that. Funny you guys do...! By the way, this firewall has protected me so far 2100 times!! And I have good security on my PCs I feel...!

Review by: safesite
First post

Oct 22, 2005
For version:
6.0

A wee bit of advice

Interface: 3
Features: 2
Ease of use: 2
Value: 2
Overall:

Just a bit of advice for all the reviews commenting on how Zone Alarm is a pain in the ass for broadband connections. The reason you loose your connection is that ZA blocks access to your web proxy address so NO DNS. To get around it, find out your DNS server addresses from your ISP and add them to your NIC properties as static addresses.

Review by: guardian_angel
First post

Oct 07, 2005
For version:
6.0

Have used it for 2 years - no problems

Interface: 5
Features: 5
Ease of use: 5
Value: 5
Overall:

Who are these people who have problems with ZA!? It is THE premium free firewall on the 'net. Perhaps those having problems need to clean their registry of old applications which can conflict. I use ZA with antivirus and spyware software without problems. If you'll clean up your registry you should not have any problems with ZA. Also review ZA's "Program Control" list to disable apps no longer on your computer. If you aren't using ZA you are not getting the BEST protection.

Review by: dirtnap (25)
Read all 25 reviews by dirtnap

Oct 06, 2005
For version:
6.0

Watch out!!

Interface: 2
Features: 2
Ease of use: 2
Value: 1
Overall:

When ZA starts messing up your PC, good luck getting it all out of your system. I used it 3 years ago, and wound up reformatting. ZA is a joke!

Review by: Nexar466 (6)
Read all 6 reviews by Nexar466

Sep 22, 2005
For version:
6.0

Rubbish

Interface: 2
Features: 3
Ease of use: 1
Value: 1
Overall:

What a rubbish program i upgraded from version 5 to this. big mistake its hard to use, bloated and slows my pc. Avoid this product. Do yourself a favour and use ... which is a much superior product and will not use huge system resources like ZA

Review by: Ramsey (5)
Read all 5 reviews by Ramsey

Aug 09, 2005
For version:
5.5

Often internet loss

Interface: 1
Features: 1
Ease of use: 1
Value: 1
Overall:

Easy to uninstall via the control panel. I think, that the fact, that ZoneAlarm has earned the Designed for Microsoft Windows XP Logo is fairly overrated. This firewall blocks admittance to too many websites and is therefore complete useless for the normal use of the internet.

Review by: Mike98 (10)
Read all 10 reviews by Mike98

Jun 28, 2005
For version:
5.5

You can do way better!

Interface: 1
Features: 2
Ease of use: 4
Value: 2
Overall:

Zonealarm use to be a very tight program small clean and simple but now it's a godzilla monster it takes up too much system resources zonealarm makes a terrible mess in the registry and it's buggy. Securitywise many Hackers just laugh at this firewall (Ok to be fair they actually laugh at other windows firewalls especially microsoft's ICF included in Win XP because it sucks) If you really want to stay safe you can do better buy a solid hardware firewall that offers serious protection for your data even a decent NAT router at $150 is worth it.

Review by: Sindonich
First post

Jun 05, 2005
For version:
5.5

Easy

Interface: 4
Features: 5
Ease of use: 5
Value: 5
Overall:

Well, works fine for me, block only when i choose to.

Review by: R2-D2_ (16)
Read all 16 reviews by R2-D2_

Jun 04, 2005
For version:
5.5

Great for its primary purpose

Interface: 3
Features: 3
Ease of use: 4
Value: 5
Overall:

I have used ZA for over 5 years and only ran into problems with the earliest releases of version 5.0 on a Windows XP SP2 machine. The later versions have not caused any problems. I believe many of the hangups with ZA from the other reviewers are due to using ZA with its antivirus and mailsafe features turned on and conflicting with other antivirus programs or Windows XP firewall. I use ZA only for the firewall feature and disable its other features, along with Windows XP firewall. As a firewall ZA is great. I wish that the user could more easily clean out some of the temp files it creates, such as those created during a crash of another program, but the simplistic interface does not provide that feature. Otherwise, I am very happy with it.

Review by: whwmdw (5)
Read all 5 reviews by whwmdw

Jun 04, 2005
For version:
5.5

Great hype - bad results.

Interface: 1
Features: 2
Ease of use: 2
Value: 5
Overall:

This program worked great at first, then it changed registry settings without prompting. I couldn't get online untill i made changes with my registry keys and network settings. The uninstall didn't work,left multiple files behind. So I ended up manually going through the registry removing keys and other hidden elements. Ill stick with ... like all the banks and financial gurus around here....

Review by: HazardData (2)
Read all 2 reviews by HazardData

May 11, 2005
For version:
5.5

You need antifreeze for this program

Interface: 2
Features: 1
Ease of use: 1
Value: 2
Overall:

This is the only firewall I know of that allows me to send and receive files over YIM with no problems. However, it's not worth it due to the continual lockups I get. They usually last for 20 seconds at a time occuring every 5 minutes or less, then eventually my computer completely freezes and I have to reboot. I'm giving this program the boot too.

Review by: Caroline (7)
Read all 7 reviews by Caroline

Apr 23, 2005
For version:
5.5

Zone alarm is good...for beginners

Interface: 3
Features: 3
Ease of use: 3
Value: 3
Overall:

If you are using dial-up like me ZA is great with virtually no problems experienced with it on my o/s Window XP. Tested it with Steve Gibson Research Page and passed with flying colours! Never had any hacking problems since installation.

Review by: Dahfellah (2)
Read all 2 reviews by Dahfellah

Mar 21, 2005
For version:
5.5

Problematic at best!

Interface: 3
Features: 3
Ease of use: 1
Value: 1
Overall:

I've tried this product three times, twice free downloads and then buying the Pro version. My experience was the same every time despite the revisions Zone Labs made between my downloads. It starts out great, then ends up cutting you off completely from the Internet, and cannot be completely uninstalled. Zone Labs support will give you instructions to uninstall it, but hidden files will remain on your system even after you follow their instructions to the letter. I couldn't restore my system without it getting back in a few weeks later, and finally had to reformat my hard drive to get rid of it. Pass this one by.

Review by: clayj2002
First post

Feb 05, 2005
For version:
5.1.011

Excellent piece of program

Interface: 4
Features: 5
Ease of use: 5
Value: 5
Overall:

I was first come to know about this product from Microsoft.com security bulletin. While using at first there was a minor problem with networking, but it solved. Then it is working smoothly. I really like this software. I recommend strongly for the use.

Review by: santanudutta (2)
Read all 2 reviews by santanudutta

Jan 07, 2005
For version:
5.1.011

Blocks too much

Interface: 3
Features: 1
Ease of use: 2
Value: 2
Overall:

Nice program, too bad it starts blocking almost everything after a while. The longer you use it, the more problems you will encounter using the internet. Big pity.

Review by: Rud-gr
First post

Jan 03, 2005
For version:
5.1.011

Nasty

Interface: 2
Features: 1
Ease of use: 1
Value: 2
Overall:

This program worked great at first, then it seemed to rewrite my settings, totally sealing off all ports to where I couldn't get online. The uninstall didn't work, tried the add/remove from control panel, that didn't fully uninstall, no help from ZA, so I ended up having to do a full system restore just to get back onto the internet.

Review by: kelticwolf79
First post

Dec 26, 2004
For version:
5.1.011

Not this version 2

Interface: 3
Features: 3
Ease of use: 1
Value: 3
Overall:

I agree with Ironbender. I had the same problems. Also every time I logged in to AOL my computer would automatically Re-start. Went to ZA for help but received little help. Guess I'm stuck with old version because it works fine.

Review by: Reppiks (3)
Read all 3 reviews by Reppiks

Dec 23, 2004
For version:
5.1.011

Not this version.

Interface: 3
Features: 2
Ease of use: 1
Value: 5
Overall:

I have used ZoneAlarm (ZL26A) with no problems on all my network computers, connected to ADSL. When I have tried to use this latest version, I was unable to configure it on my network, and had severall connection problems. I have returned to the old version, which works fine again on all machines, including my net server.

Review by: Ironbender (4)
Read all 4 reviews by Ironbender

Dec 20, 2004
For version:
5.1.011

Awesome

Interface: 5
Features: 5
Ease of use: 5
Value: 5
Overall:

This jerk was hacking into my computer and could see everything I typed once I was online.. I downloaded this and he was no longer allowed access. GREAT program love love love it.

Review by: chelsey
First post

Dec 10, 2004
For version:
5.1.011

The best firewal created

Interface: 5
Features: 5
Ease of use: 5
Value: 5
Overall:

ZA is the best firewall I have ever used.I am always on the computer as I am an animator and programmer.I can be sure everything on my computer is safe with ZA.I give it a 20 out of 10 i like it so much

Review by: Philip1941
First post

Dec 10, 2004
For version:
5.1.011

Dsl killer

Interface: 1
Features: 3
Ease of use: 2
Value: 4
Overall:

ZA worked okay until i got dsl then i was always losing my connection no matter how i configured it! Since i have uninstalled it i never have had a disconnect. Now i just use the sp2 firewall with Avast! 4.5 and all the usual freebie anti spy programs and i have no problems.

Review by: Pat206 (3)
Read all 3 reviews by Pat206

Dec 08, 2004
For version:
5.1.011

Problems

Interface: 4
Features: 2
Ease of use: 1
Value: 1
Overall:

After I began using broadband I installed ZoneAlarm. Then I could not maintain a connection to the internet. After a couple days of making adjustments and readjustments I contacted the cable company & asked for assistance. Their top man came out and after about 4 hours he surrendered and went home, said he'd send someone else to help the next day. The problem was not resolved until ZoneAlarm had been completely removed from my system. I installed Norton Firewall and have been at peace ever since. I guess you could say I was safe using ZoneAlarm but alas, I was internetless.

Review by: AungDin (51)
Read all 51 reviews by AungDin

Dec 02, 2004
For version:
5.1.011

Install this!

Interface: 5
Features: 5
Ease of use: 5
Value: 5
Overall:

Very good protection. Takes some time to learn but then it's a great help to stay clean.

Review by: ikeiges (14)
Read all 14 reviews by ikeiges

Nov 24, 2004
For version:
5.1.011

Superb firewall

Interface: 4
Features: 4
Ease of use: 5
Value: 5
Overall:

I've used ZoneAlarm Free version for some years now and find that it has performed very well indeed. It not only meets my requirements, it exceeds them.

Review by: DiatonicMuttley (7)
Read all 7 reviews by DiatonicMuttley

Nov 21, 2004
For version:
5.1.011

Free is better

Interface: 4
Features: 4
Ease of use: 3
Value: 5
Overall:

Free is better, but ZoneAlarm is also easy. Zonealarm is good to use if you don't know much about firewalls. I use 4.5.594.000 free version and it never crash my PC (win2000 + service pack 4)

Review by: magnesium (9)
Read all 9 reviews by magnesium

Nov 04, 2004
For version:
5.1.011

Hogs up memory

Interface: 2
Features: 1
Ease of use: 1
Value: 3
Overall:

I would suggest you use something better. I have tried repeatedly to use this program and always to the same detriment..... The "vsmon" tries to act as a server and hogs up all my CPU. You can prove this to yourself if you simply view the Windows Task Manager by pushing control-alt-delete and see the processes page for percent CPU usage..... It does not always hog up the CPU but just enough times to drive you crazy when it does..... It will lock you up and will not allow you to download programs..or if you do they will be corrupted in the download. I'm going back to Sygate which always seem to work beautifully in the background. I can hardly wait to get back onto Norton's Internet Security which my ISP provides for free!..... Jesse Jr

Review by: JesseJr
First post

Oct 21, 2004
For version:
5.1.011

A great fire wall

Interface: 5
Features: 5
Ease of use: 5
Value: 5
Overall:

This is easy to use and watches every thing incoming & Out going from your Computer. Works great with most systems. I Rate it 10 Out Of 10 Better than AVG,Mcaffe,Or Norton.

Review by: BrianDay (4)
Read all 4 reviews by BrianDay

Aug 21, 2004
For version:
4.5.538.001

Ok

Interface: 4
Features: 3
Ease of use: 4
Value: 4
Overall:

Crashed my computer if i had ip realeasing problems. But without that useful piece of code.

Review by: Koro_shite_yaru (25)
Read all 25 reviews by Koro_shite_yaru

Aug 17, 2004
For version:
4.5.538.001

Zone alarm is a good firewall

Interface: 5
Features: 5
Ease of use: 5
Value: 5
Overall:

Zone Alarm is a very good firewall. Once I started to use it, I recommended it to just about everybody that needed a firewall, or a better one that they already have. Plus you can't beat free.

Review by: octavian2k4 (2)
Read all 2 reviews by octavian2k4

Aug 17, 2004
For version:
4.5.538.001

Simply the best

Interface: 5
Features: 5
Ease of use: 5
Value: 5
Overall:

Sygate doesn't have stealth, neither does Kerio or Tiny Personal, and Outpost is simply outdated. Only ZoneAlarm has all the features and updates its free software every time it updates its professional edition. I became so impressed with the free version that I switched to ZoneAlarm Pro and have yet to regret it.

Review by: GreyWolf (3)
Read all 3 reviews by GreyWolf

Jul 21, 2004
For version:
4.5.538.001

Locking up

Interface: 1
Features: 5
Ease of use: 1
Value: 1
Overall:

If you install the free version and start finding that your computer locks up then it is probably zone alarm. I had horrible problems until I switched to Kerio and have not had a single lock up since. Even my yahoo program would lock up my computer so bad that i had to shut down my Toshiba by holding down the power button for 5 seconds(not in manual but techies know about this). ZA sucks...... i wasted hours trying to figure out what was going on. thank god for Toshiba tech help and the other postings that i read here.

Review by: dawnstar
First post

Jul 18, 2004
For version:
4.5.538.001

No problems

Interface: 4
Features: 5
Ease of use: 5
Value: 5
Overall:

All except for a short-lived build either last year or earlier this year, ZA freeware has been perfect for me for 4 years straight. Other than some clutter with the interface, this is a perfect application.

Review by: AuthenticInk (6)
Read all 6 reviews by AuthenticInk

Jun 25, 2004
For version:
4.5.538.001

Um, no

Interface: 2
Features: 1
Ease of use: 1
Value: 1
Overall:

Zonealarm pro, great, all the bells and whistles, Zonealarm free version, no. Not the most responsive or secure, please go with Sygate or Outpost if you are more experienced, or Kerio is superb, (go to beta section on kerio site... advanced features don't run out).

Review by: normalperson
First post

Jun 02, 2004
For version:
4.5.538.001

Evawright's ZoneAlarm review

Interface: 5
Features: 5
Ease of use: 5
Value: 5
Overall:

This program is easy to install and run for the first time! I am a newbie to using a Firewall and it was very simple to understand. The features are outstanding! And best of all, it's FREE! Within the first 10 minutes of using it on my system, it blocked 300 intrusions and 28 of those were high level priority so I am very very happy with it! It also monitors which programs you use that can have access to the internet. Don't waste your time with other firewalls, use ZoneAlarm!

Review by: Evawright (3)
Read all 3 reviews by Evawright

May 26, 2004
For version:
4.5.538.001

Great program until current update

Interface: 2
Features: 2
Ease of use: 2
Value: 2
Overall:

I have used ZoneAlarm for years, until today when the latest update kept putting my computer into repeated hard lock-up. Uninstalling Zone Alarm completely solved the problem. You cannot email ZoneAlarm directly via their "contact us" link, which is annoying as well. Time to try Sygate.

Review by: demonpen (7)
Read all 7 reviews by demonpen

May 25, 2004
For version:
4.5.538.001

Great firewall

Interface: 5
Features: 5
Ease of use: 5
Value: 5
Overall:

I have finally found a firewall that blocks everything! Before downloading this I had terrible trouble with my pc and since installing zone alarm I have had over 800 intrusions in 5 hours! I would recommend this to anyone.

Review by: kristina (2)
Read all 2 reviews by kristina

May 16, 2004
For version:
4.5.538.001

Good protection but hard to use.

Interface: 1
Features: 2
Ease of use: 1
Value: 5
Overall:

Zonealarm has a good reputation for a firewall but my experience with it was poor. I found the interface hokey. I allowed programs access and found later they were denied access.

Review by: fair_is_fair (39)
Read all 39 reviews by fair_is_fair

May 15, 2004
For version:
4.5.538.001

Works for me

Interface: 5
Features: 3
Ease of use: 5
Value: 5
Overall:

Zonealarm is good to use if you don t know much about firewalls. It takes up alot of time to load up when your computer starts up. I have had very few problems with it. It s good for people who don t want to go too deep into configuring a firewall.

Review by: Starbury (5)
Read all 5 reviews by Starbury

Mar 06, 2004
For version:
NA

what s the problem?

Interface: 0
Features: 0
Ease of use: 0
Value: 0
Overall:

I haven t had a single problem with either free or Pro ZA since like version 2.1 or so. No bluescreens, no intruders, nothing. I m unsure what the negative reviewers had on their PC s that could cause such errors. ZA is my preferred software firewall. Sygate Personal comes in second.

Review by: Karma-D (5)
Read all 5 reviews by Karma-D

Sep 22, 2003
For version:
NA

Hall of Fame

Interface: 0
Features: 0
Ease of use: 0
Value: 0
Overall:

This is a wonderful program that works flawlessly. It is very intuitive. Thanks to those kind folks who make this program available free.

Review by: golata (40)
Read all 40 reviews by golata