 |  | install and configure a firewall |  | | By Calvin Hall | | (8/7/02) |
Routers, firewalls, even antivirus software sound intimidating to a lot of computer users. These things exist in the realm of computer professionals. But if your computer spends a lot of time connected to the Internet, you need to set up the same kind of security that computer professionals use.
Fortunately, ZoneLabs offers firewall software that anyone can use. ZoneAlarm Pro practically configures itself, and it displays informational screens on installation explaining in simple terms how it works. And most importantly, it is very effective in not only preventing hackers from breaking into your computer, but also in preventing applications you have installed from making unauthorized calls through the Internet.
Talk to the wizard
After installation, a configuration wizard launches. Don't worry about getting everything right in the wizard, as each choice you make can be changed later in the main control panel. The wizard default settings are for high to medium security, which is more than adequate to protect your PC.
Because ZoneAlarm's Privacy Control affects your Web surfing, we recommend you leave it turned off during the initial setup. You can try it out later when you've got the time to determine if it's right for the way you surf. Next, the wizard asks you when ZoneAlarm should pop up an alert. While it's fascinating to see how often something from the Internet contacts your computer, ultimately these alerts are a distraction. We recommend you have ZoneAlarm protect your computer silently. The final screen in the configuration wizard lets you set a password for ZoneAlarm. Only choose this option if other people who use your computer might reset your security controls, and of course, don't forget your password.
Give programs access
After you finish with the configuration wizard, the program wizard launches. Don't worry, this is a quick one. This wizard looks at the applications on your computer and tries to figure out which ones need to access the Internet. Typically, it will find your Web browser, but you will need to fine-tune it so any other applications you have that use the Internet can get access. Look at the list of applications it finds, then choose Yes if you want to have ZoneAlarm give them access. Click Finish, and your firewall will be up and running. If this is your first time using a firewall, read the tutorial that pops up--it's painless.
Now start up your Internet connection and launch applications you typically use that access the Internet, such as chat clients, e-mail, and download managers. As each one attempts to access the Internet, ZoneAlarm will pop up an alert asking you if the application should have access. Click the check box that says "Remember this answer the next time I use this program." Then click the Yes button. ZoneAlarm will now let these applications access the Internet whenever you use them. If an alert pops up for an application you've never heard of, click the No button and ZoneAlarm will keep it from sending any information.
For full-screen applications that access the Internet, such as games, you will want to preset their permission, since ZoneAlarm's pop-ups may cause full-screen applications to crash. In ZoneAlarm's main window, click Program Control, then click the Programs tab. Click the Add button, and browse to the application you want to let access the Internet. It will be added to the list of trusted applications.
Defend your zones
Clicking Firewall on the main interface will let you set security for an Internet Zone and a Trusted Zone. Leave the Internet Zone on high security. If you have a home network, you will want to adjust the Trusted Zone so it lets you work as you are accustomed. Try it at Medium security, but if you find you can't print or use resources on your other networked computers, set it to Low.
ZoneAlarm will load and run automatically whenever you start up your computer. A couple of Web sites will let you test the efficacy of your firewall. Surf over to ShieldsUP! or the impressive HackerWhacker.com. Youll be amazed at the difference a good firewall makes.
Frequent CNET Download.com contributor Calvin Hall is a freelance computer industry journalist.
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