Customer Reviews
Too effective and too complicated 
2007-01-02
After finally having all I could stand of Norton Internet Security, I got rid of NIS and ordered Zone Alarm Pro 5 Firewall. This program appears to be a very effective firewall, all right--it shuts out everything, including a lot of things you want. The program is far too complicated for the average user. After spending hours trying to configure it so that it would permit me to access the internet sites and programs I wanted (and used for years without trouble until I installed Zone Alarm), I finally gave up and uninstalled Zone Alarm. More money wasted on security software that doesn't work.
ZoneAlarm Zaps 'Em 
2006-01-30
While my knowledge is pretty limited about firewalls and virus protection, between Microsoft Antispyware and ZoneAlarm, I feel pretty well covered from the bugs and viruses. Once in a while I feel that these things are too complicated for someone like me, but scratching my head once in a while is better than having my computer torched by some idiot with nothing better to do than to ruin communications for others. ZoneAlarm, even with the update to 6 whatever, is working just fine. It was worth the money.
Not that great with Windows 9x 2005-09-11
I'm about ready to ditch my copy. I have run ZA PRO for a year now. In the beginning it seemed to do it's job and stay out of my way. But like any software product nowadays, it is becomming more and more bloated. Check your oil? Wash your windshield?
Just get out of my way so I can use my computer, is that too much to ask?
Tonight I had to reboot twice because of ZA Pro. Admitedly, I'm still hanging on to Windows 98 and 256k of memory. If these are you creditials also, then maybe like me, you may start thinking about a hardware firewall.
In the year I've used ZA, my PC hasn't been compromised, so I guesss that's worth 4 stars. But it should not cause me 30 minutes out of my day just to keep it parked should it?
Watch out for the version 6 upgrade!! 
2005-08-05
Hey, I've used ZoneAlarm for years and agree that it's a fairly good firewall for the money. However, watch out for the latest version (version 6)!! It hosed my computer. It forgot all the settings I've had on it for the past five or so years. Every application on my computer that accesses the internet is no longer working including Internet Explorer and my email. They added this new feature Smart Defense that doesn't seem too smart so far. They also changed all your program permissions to Block. You have to physically go in and change them back to Ask just to get it to prompt you for access to the internet. Then they amazing broke the Remember this Setting option so it prompts you again and again. Anyway, you get the picture and I can sleep knowing you have been warned. The latest upgrade is terrible.
excellant product-alarm zone 2005-07-28
technical support is almost non-existent, because of this i will look to another product. this is unacceptible.
The Easiest, The Best! 
2005-07-26
Take control of your computer before a hacker does! ZoneAlarm Firewall Pro 5 features security and privacy protection to stop hackers and cybercriminals. Plus, it monitors inbound/outbound e-mail activity, safeguards personal information, and combats PC identity theft.
Very good 2005-07-15
Zone Alarm was a refreshing experience after Norton's internet security. The software is very easy to configure and install. What I really like about this is the fact that it constantly shows you what is going on in detail, these popups can be turned off if so desired. This package does not slow your system to a crawl and achieves full stealth mode. Zone-alarm is more secure and has more features than Windows XP's SP2 firewall, the installation of Zone-Alarm will turn the windows firewall off. The user can control a wealth of settings. It did not detect my anti virus software but they are honest and say it might not detect all AV software, which is fine with me.
Great value for the money. Very recommended
A great firewall for the price... 2005-02-05
I bought this Firewall through the Zone Alarm web site and this firewall works well. The firewall will pop up a message window showing the serverity of the problem. For intrusion, a program requesting access and programs that have repeatly asked for access (On the popup you can allow, deny or permanently allow a program access).
(This program does not hog the system memory as some other products do...)
Another nice feature offered is a log of the instrusion and the IP address of the intruder. The program shows how many intrusions were blocked and how many attacks were serious.
Also, the tool allows users who are novices and advanced users to use the software effectively according to their experience.
In addition, the tool comes with a Firewall (made by CA) which works well.
Overall, this a great Firewall and I recommend this product to anyone.
