zonealarm pro?

is this firewall any good and has anyone here used it or even heard of it. if you did can you tell me how good it is becuase i am thing of purchasing it.

 

It's not bad. Why do you want the firewall? In my experience, most 3rd party firewalls just slow the heck out of the machine, and Internet access, for very little benefit over Window's included firewall. They can be useful for someone with actual sysadmin needs, or running Windows directly on the Internet, but for most users, XP's built in one should be more than enough.
Anywho, make sure that you double-check all the rules it has by default, and TURN OFF THE WINDOWS FIREWALL. Running multiple firewalls simultaneously is a recipe for hair-pulling. Then look at which real-time services it provides, and turn off ones you don't need. Every "service" it provides saps that much more CPU time/memory/etc.

 

ZA Pro is an outstanding firewall. Many publications have said so. If you are operating a laptop outside of your home network (ie: on any public network) I'd recommend one. I use Zone Alarm now, and it's great. I don't find that it slows down the computer.

The operating system firewall that is integrated is great for monitoring what Windows is trying to install. If you're not doing any program installs, but something says you are, then you know somethings up. Very handy, and not obtrusive once you get going.

 

i use zonealarm security suite with antispy and antivirus included along with a bunch of other stuff i dont use... Its way cheaper the pc-cillin which i have also used and i think it is just as good.

 

Not to be mean, but that is completely wrong. A firewall only monitors Internet traffic. Hadware firewalls(routers) and the Windows firewall only monitor incoming traffic, while most software firewalls, like ZA, monitor incoming and outgoing traffic. No firewall monitors system activity. If it did, it would be a part of the suite, like an anti-virus component.

As for the original question. ZoneAlarm and other software firewalls tend to cause more problems than they solve and can be easily defeated by many malware. I generally say you are better off turning on the Windows firewall and get a router. Both of these are MUCH more difficult to get around.

 

I used the free version on my old laptop with 2000 pro, and it was actually very good I would totally reccomend it if you wanan stay away from macafee and norton

 

First of all the Windows firewall is fairly crappy. It doesn't protect against hackers or security threats, and only exists to offer basic control over outgoing programs. 3rd party programs like Zone Alarm on the other hand actually protect the computer from hackers and security threats. They can regulate incoming or outgoing traffic, and also perform security functions like stealthing ports. The main problem with firewalls is that they can cause conflicts or other problems. Sometimes they block programs that they should allow, prevent actions they shouldn't, etc... When properly configured, they are excellent, but if you experience problems, simply switch to a different firewall. Antivirus and antispyware programs are far more important than firewalls, but having some sort of protection; either a software firewall like Zone Alarm, or a hardware firewall from a router; is highly recommended.

 

I am using Zone Alarm Security Suite. I used to have Norton's Internet Security Suite. It's not bad but I like ZA better. Window's free firewall is very basic. With ZA you can stealth and close your used ports. It does not only monitor traffic but you can set it to block unauthorized data/packet requests.

However, Internet Security suites these days hog a lot of resources so you may encounter some slow downs. If you have a new CPU (dual core better) with 1 GB memory, you should be alright. I highly recommend ZA and it also have a gamer's mode and IM's security feature.

I do not think Window's firewall is good enough. If you cant afford one, dl the free basic ZA.

 

Most routers today will "stealth". All that means is they do not respond to an unsolicited packet unless that port is opened. A software firewall is not needed in order to stealth.

My main problem with software firewalls is that they add a lot of complexity to a system and not a lot of extra security. If you already have a router then I see no need to have one. Routers have many advantages over software firewalls including the fact that they are seperate from the system and since they are 'dumb' they can't be tricked. If the port is not opened and you did not request the packet, it will be dropped. With software firewalls, especially popular ones, they can be circumvented rather easily.

There is one main advantage to a software firewall. It can monitor outgoing traffic. This can be useful, but I would venture to say 99% of users who have a software firewall would allow a malicious program access because the name would be so obscure or close to something else, that they would not know the difference.

In the end, a router, with Firefox and a good AV will keep you clean as long as you practice good habits. The key is to not get infected. Once you are the ONLY way to be sure you are clean again is to reformat and reinstall Windows.

 

Look it up. Zone Alarm Pro includes an OS firewall. It is the best in it's class. This can prevent unauthorized installs. Very handy.

 

The major reason to buy or at least get a free sw firewall is for leaving your "home" network. When there's no private router to protect you you're left with your computer's security to defend you. If you spend a lot of time on public networks I would highly recommend one.

 

I stand corrected! Sorry for my misinformation. I would however caution that a program like that can cause many problems. I continue to stand by my reccomendation of not installing any software firewall, and instead focus on things like good habits. A program liek ZoneAlarm has become so bloated and complex that in my view, and many security experts view, the positive is greatly outweighed by the negative.

 

Well, I highly doubt the positives being greatly outweighed by negatives, unless you have major issues with the software. If you are in the market for a software firewall, Zone Alarm is a great program to use.

To each their own. If you can get by without a firewall, more power to you. However, anyone who brings their computer out with them should have some type of active security. That is why firewalls are so popular, and such a large focus of major software companies (MS, for example).

These programs can be a hassle if you are unfamiliar with them. Microsoft made Windows Defender WAY too simple/invasive for anyone who isn't a newbie. However, a little know-how and patience prevents any problems. If you aren't having problems with the program, then there should be no negatives.

 

Then again...what is the chance that a hacker would hack little You with over 600 million connected PCs

There is a better chance of wining 1 million $ than getting hacked. I would stand by cashmonee and agree that caution is a much better weapon

 

ok so say im using my router at home as a firewall what happens when i go to school and i dont have a router firewall...will the microsoft firewall be enough thats why i wanted to purchase this firewall but if any of you have suggestions on what to buy that would be appreciated

 

The Windows firewall should be sufficiant. It will protect you against worms, stealth your ports, and drop incoming packets you did not request. It will give you similar protection that your router does.