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Publisher's Description
From ZoneAlarm:
ZoneAlarm Free Firewall blocks viruses that antivirus alone misses, stops hackers attempting to break into your computer, and unlike the default Windows firewall, provides outbound firewall protection to stop spyware from phoning home and botnets from taking over your PC. ZoneAlarm Free Firewall is easy for anyone to use. It operates automatically, due to its powerful DefenseNet cloud service, so users are not interrupted with unnecessary alerts.
What's new in this version: Version 10.1.079 includes the following improvements:
- New user-friendly design:
- Easy for all levels of users
- Confirms protection at a glance
- Indicates security components you have and do not have
- Makes securing your computer faster and easier than ever.
- New Quick install reduces time to get started
- Web installer also shortens and simplifies entire download and install time
Enhanced Cloud Security: ... See all new features
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All versions:
3.4 starsout of 3,402 votes
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Current version:
4.2 starsout of 125 votes
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My rating:
Write review
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"Perfect, the best there is."
Version: ZoneAlarm Free Firewall 10.1.101
Pros
Of all the others ZoneAlarm free firewall has given me no problems, unlike others, and works well with all the other anti virus software I have tried, stopping many thousands of intrusions. I use it on all my PCs, and have done for years ever since I heard about it from a friend. I feel safe with it, and in my view, if something works well and does what it claims, then why change, and take risks with something you don't know or trust. I can't fault it in any way, and wouldn't change. It's free, and out performs anything you would pay for.
Cons
Never found any in all the years I've been using it.
Summary
Why use any other firewall when you have the best there is.
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"Probably still the best firewall out there."
Version: ZoneAlarm Free Firewall 10.1.101
Pros
Rock solid "program authority" protection.
Has only crashed once in many years of use.
Product has never "leaked".
Have used for over 10 years with nary a problem.Cons
As with most things, there is no such things as a free lunch, this product is now adware, plain and simple. It used to be free, without ads, but bean counters have a way of destroying utopia. At least the ads are usually only once per session, and easily dismissed, with no "accidental click trickery". They also tend to stick with high quality advertisers, if not themselves.
Summary
As most of my friends know, I do not recommend comprehensive Antivirus, Anti Spyware, & Firewall applications. I like to keep these separate, so if part of the system protection fails, there are usually 2 other parts monitoring, and able to respond to an incipient infection. Any product that combines 2 or more of these functions is asking for a single exploit to totally open the whole system to a hostile takeover.
Zone Alarm Free fills the firewall niche nicely with it's unswerving protection, advanced "identd" port handling, and it's innovative, novel, but still best "program authority" firewall rules. When Zone Alarm came into being, it was the only product to offer this... All other products would just either close or open ports, and any process could then use those ports for good, or evil. Zone Alarm was the first product to realize that not every program should be given full network privileges, and still is the best at it.
So when I need to choose a product to do the job of a firewall, and only the job of a firewall, the clear choice is still Zone Alarm. -
"Been using ZoneAlarm for Years. Highly Recommend!"
Version: ZoneAlarm Free Firewall 10.1.101
Pros
I have been using ZoneAlarm for years and trust this program. It guards my computer from unwanted installations and monitors internet traffic both coming and going. Securing your computer with a good firewall and anti-virus is a must if you do online banking/purchasing and it save guards your computer against harmful websites. Thank you ZoneAlarm!
Cons
There are no cons :-)
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"Be wise, protect your computer"
Version: ZoneAlarm Free Firewall 10.1.101
Pros
Nowdays, our computer is not safe as use to be, so many pretending advertisedment trying to sales their product but when you agree and click their website Boom! there you go! hacking your system.For my experience Zone alarm can help you out this problem. great job Zonealarm!
Cons
No worries of your virous protection.
Summary
For my experience Zone alarm can help you out this problem. great job Zonealarm!
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"Recommended to all PC users"
Version: ZoneAlarm Free Firewall 10.1.101
Pros
Efficient, stable, works and plays well with others, and superior security in a FREE firewall.
Cons
Occasionally prompts you to upgrade to the commercial version.
Summary
As a tech support professional for a global company, whenever I am asked by clients to recommend a good firewall, the product I talk about is always Zone Alarm. Unlike other products, such as Norton, Zone Alarm does the job without massive bloat and incompatibilities. It just sits there quietly doing its job. No fanfare, no system-crashing lockups, no nonsense. It works and plays well with others while delivery more than adequate security for the average user. Every PC in America should be using Zone Alarm.
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"Awesome Freeness that Lasts"
Version: ZoneAlarm Free Firewall 10.1.101
Pros
Free software that has lasting positive effects on the system.
Blocks suspicious outbound traffic. I have also experienced the diverting away from websites with suspicious content.Cons
Attempt to get you to purchase the premium version.
Summary
This software is one of the best free firewall software that I have used. It is conscientious to your routines and knows what to ask about and what not to. It will ask permission for a known program to visit the internet, if you haven't personally activated the program. Any unknown programs trying to access the internet, it immediately pops up and asks you whether to allow the software or not. I am always in and out of new software since I do Help Desk and hardware and software troubleshooting. I also build websites using a variety of relatively new websites and new resources. While searching for these resources I have at times wondered into some strange territory which Zone Alarm is quick on the draw to divert me away from. As a "computer geek" I am always on the internet and always experimenting with software. Zone Alarm keeps me safe on and of the web.
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"most secure firewall"
Version: ZoneAlarm Free Firewall 10.1.101
Pros
ZoneAlarm was recommended to me by grc.com. Their review is more thorough, but the bottom line is that ZoneAlarm checks for programs already on your computer that try to send information OUT. You may install these without knowing it, either from an email or malware or a malicious website, but ZoneAlarm will detect any OUTBOUND attempts and alert you imediately.
Cons
sometimes they try to get you to upgrade to their paid Full Security suite
Summary
free and better protection
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"Elegant, simple, complete for the average user"
Version: ZoneAlarm Free Firewall 10.1.101
Pros
Easy to use and it does everything needed, even the default settings on windows programs can be over ridden - no more "just because it's from MS it's OK" can be acomplished because even MS programs send and receive info when it's absolutely not neccesary and should not be accepted.
Cons
I'll admit I've not upgraded from v92_106, the later versions undo some of the cons I've suggested (in some sort of attempt to dumb it down for the idiots that don't know what the are doing?)
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"Better Protection Than From Ones You Pay For"
Version: ZoneAlarm Free Firewall 10.1.101
Pros
Zonealarm updates regularly and inobtrusively. It works in the background without fuss and can be relied on. Other alternatives become out of date or require upgrades. Zonealarm seems to be well supported and therefore is quick to cover new threats. I use AVAST antivirus for similar reasons and they work well together.
Cons
None. Never failed in 10 years
Summary
Forget the others, this is the best for so many reasons
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"Flawless, worry free"
Version: ZoneAlarm Free Firewall 10.1.101
Pros
I've been using ZoneAlarm for 8 years. I've never had a problem. No intrusions, no viruses, no emergencies that required me to shut down.
Cons
worry free, no cons
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