Zone Alarm Extreme Security 2010 user reviews

4.0 stars

"ZA License means you get Software & Definition updates" on December 11, 2009 by SSidlov

Pros: Buy competitor & a 3 year sub you'll be using vers. 2009 till 2011 with new definitions, & perhaps a patch. ZA releases new versions, updates, patches all avail.free during subs period youl'll never be outdated. AV/AS engine is lic.from Kapersky.

Cons: Sometimes, updates require uninstall to get 'clean' functionality. A delay of several months for FF full 3.5 support. Extra tools such as PC Scan are lite versions and full version costs extra. Doesn't turn on brwsr virtualization automatically.

Summary: I have been running this and it's prior incarnations for several years on multiple business and private desktop and laptops. Every attack, every attempted install of a virus or trojan has been stopped dead. Isn't' that what you want? I've tried the free software solutions when licenses have expired, I keep adding machines to my ZA account. One thing I really like is that you are entitled to complete software updates during your subscription period, you'll never be using an outdated product or feel that you were cheated out of new functions in the next iteration of your software; your subscription spans version numbers, so today the version number is 9.1 if they come out with ver 10 tomorrow you can use it.

ZA now has a learning mode which monitors your actions on the computer for 21 (or more) days to determine what is 'normal' activity. You can extend the time frame if you want. Once 'learned' the software sets itself up as a higher security level to block any unusual activity that has not occurred during the learning period. On installation it sets up all the programs it can detect at that time. I have not found it to be a problem for it to be running during installations because once you allow the install program to access the web, it's smooth sailing unless something other than the setup/install program wants access and don't you want to know if it's changing sites? Other issues can occur with BROWSER installations and updates. Browser virtualizaiton means that FF add-ons must be copied to the 'real' software base version if you want to load them the next time, but don't worry, ZA will prompt and ask you about it.

ZAES totally monitors your internet connection. It plays well with UPnP software so you don't have to setup special forwards on routers or in the ZA firewall. It's Overly Cautious because it will always ask about Java or Adobe et al, updating themselves when major version changes occur, taking nothing for granted. And yes, it does have overhead just like all of it's competition but if you want you can turn off the On Access scanning (but I wouldn't).

Do you use VPNs? Add your connecting network as either specific hosts or as a range to have the same connectivity as if you were there for shared recources. You can also customize the ports, protocols, IP or IP ranges, and time of day for all networks specifically.

Ever visit those sites that just won't let you get away, clicking or closing the browser just pops up another window? Well, assuming they are not not blocked in the first place as a malware/phish site, you can simply add them by www name to the 'blocked' network list, and you'll never be bothered by them again. You can block ad networks too. You could also have access to mature audience sites at particular hours of the day. I have never used the Parental Controls however, since we block those kinds of things at the router. But it's possible to select from general categories (about 30) and block sites that have DRTR ratings disclosed.

Wireless networks? Any public spot is configured in two clicks, is it a 'Trusted" or "Internet" zone and if you wish you can name it to save it. All public spots should be Internet, btw. You can set it up to default to 'Internet Zone' automatically if you wish.

Custom configure (if you wish) the basics for 'allows' and 'blocks' for Trusted and Internet zones will allow you have a standard mask applied to each network you visit. Customize ports and protocols individually or in groups and ranges. If you need too.
Customize software permissions with regard to the internet. No, you can't kill a program, but you can block it's access or enable specific ports, protocols or even the time of day that it can access the Internet.

I find this so much easier to use than Symantec. And so much less annoying when the subscription is due. And they give very good discounts to their customers. You should be able to pickup a 3 PC lic for $50 or less and add extra years for about $30.

I keep adding more machines as my old licenses or initial free versions expire, I recommend to my friends and colleagues too.