Sound the Alarm - Zone Labs' ZoneAlarm Pro network security software - Software Review - Evaluation

Home Office Computing, Dec, 2000 by Marshall F. Lager

ZoneAlarm Pro

HOC RATING
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IF YOU NEED A FULL-powered firewall but don't want a pricey hardware box, consider Zone Labs' healthy software alternative, ZoneAlarm Pro ($40/$70/$150 for one/two/five Windows PCs; 800-210-5517, www.zonelabs.com). This upgrade adds even more bad-guy-blocking power to ZoneAlarm, a favorite protector of always-on cable and DSL connections--although the base product, free for personal use and $20 for a business license, remains a more tempting bargain.

Once the download was finished and ZoneAlarm Pro installed, we had a highly customizable security application that was still fairly easy to use, all for a mere 3MB of hard disk space. The default settings were robust enough to defend our PC against intrusions, blocking Internet access by any application not directly authorized by us (we could tone this down for "medium" security), and closing unused ports. The toolbars are somewhat garish, but simple graphics keep file size low, and they're not the focus of this program anyway.

Beyond basic protection, the Pro version adds an array of controls that lets you fine-tune your defense against specific threat sources, configure virtual private network (VPN) access, and more. ZoneAlarm Pro has a neat defense option that we haven't seen in software firewalls before: It's password-protected, so even someone using your PC can't accidentally or maliciously disable your settings.

Although ZoneAlarm Pro isn't an antivirus program, it includes MailSafe, which detects and blocks the most common harmful e-mail content--Visual Basic scripts, JavaScript and executable files. We could add other file types at will, even to block something as annoyingly harmless as large MPEG videos sent by friends. It's an extra level of safety that lets you know what's being sent to you and gives you the option to isolate it before it can do any harm.

A Sturdy and custumizable firewall

B Stiff interface; freeware good enough

RATINGS

HOME OFFICE COMPUTING rates products on a scale of 1 to 10--with few 9's or 10's--based on value, performance, innovation (medals go to rare standouts in these areas), ease of use, and suitability for home offices. The A and B symbols indicate pros and cons.