Entered CNET Catalog: 08/26/2008
SKU: 637078092554
Manufacturer: Zone Labs, Inc.
Product summary
The good: ZoneAlarm Internet Security 2009 is faster and lighter than last year's release, has a modern interface, and provides real-world identity fraud protection.
The bad: ZoneAlarm Internet Security 2009 lacks Web 2.0 safe-surfing tools, as well as utilities to back up data and shred deleted files.
The bottom line: ZoneAlarm Internet Security 2009 provides top-notch security protection that is light on system resources, allowing you to work unencumbered.
Editors' review
- Editors' Choice: No
- Reviewed on: 08/28/2008
Editors' note: On September 11, 2008, we changed the rating of this product after including comparative testing data and ranking it against other 2009 Internet security suites.
The improvements within Check Point ZoneAlarm Internet Security 2009 are mostly under the hood, but they are nonetheless significant. Optimizing the resources for desktop and laptop Windows users is important within a suite of tools, and long-time ZoneAlarm users will notice the benefits almost immediately. There's a new user interface, but little else feature-wise. Unlike some everything-including-the-kitchen-sink suites we've seen lately, ZoneAlarm still covers just the basics, and continues to be best of breed in antivirus, antispam, and firewall protection. Missing, however, is its Web 2.0 safe-browsing protection, which Check Point has yielded to its new ForceField product. We think that's a mistake. The competition among Internet Security-suite vendors is heating up. In the fall we expect to see major improvements in Internet Security suites from Symantec Norton, McAfee, and Trend Micro, and so we will be adjusting our review of ZoneAlarm Internet Security 2009 accordingly. Right now, current users should be satisfied with the upgrade, and new users won't be disappointed, but we don't feel comfortable awarding ZoneAlarm Internet Security 2009 with our Editors' Choice award yet this year.
Setup
We downloaded the 44MB installation file and installed ZoneAlarm Internet Security 2009 without a hitch. ZoneAlarm requires the use of Windows 2000, XP, and Vista. There is a full-function, 15-day trail version available; at the end of the trail period, the program reverts to the free, basic ZoneAlarm firewall product.
With the install, after an initial reboot, we were asked a series of questions to help us set up the application. The first question is in regards to the ZoneAlarm program-control security setting, which controls the number of message alerts you'll see on your desktop. A Maximum setting flags everything until ZoneAlarm "learns" which security settings you prefer; an Auto-Learn setting starts the learning process earlier by temporarily lowering the security settings, resulting in fewer messages; and finally, a Minimum setting protects you against older, known alerts but no new threats, resulting in virtually no alerts. The default is Auto-Learn, and we left it at that setting. Next, you're asked to participate in DefenseNet, ZoneAlarm's security-threat center where new alerts are recorded anonymously; you can opt out, if you prefer. After that, you'll be asked whether you have antivirus protection and, if you don't, whether you want to enable protection within ZoneAlarm. For this, we advise you to choose ZoneAlarm's protection--not only will you then manage everything through the ZoneAlarm interface, but you'll receive state-of-the-art protection from Kaspersky Anti-Virus. Finally, the program will ask whether you want to scan your PC starting immediately. After these questions, you'll need to reboot once again.
Should you decide to uninstall, ZoneAlarm Internet Security 2009 includes an uninstall icon in the All Programs listing--something McAfee and Norton do not. The uninstall process is smooth, first verifying that you want to do this, then disconnecting from the Zone Labs servers and removing the application. Upon reboot, we found absolutely no trace of ZoneAlarm--not in the Registry, not in the system folders. We cannot say the same for McAfee, Norton, or Trend Micro.
Interface
The new interface within ZoneAlarm Internet Security 2009 is cleaner, less complicated, and more modern than the previous one. ZoneAlarm's interface remains the high bar for design, at once communicating plenty of information without a lot of clutter or silly icons. Gone are the tabs used in the past, replaced with an enhanced left-hand navigation. For example, under Program Control, there's an overview link of security settings, a tab for individual-program access, and a tab for component access. We like the ease of customization here, letting us to allow, block, or ask with each program. Other firewalls make us jump through hoops or create complicated rule sets to tweak a given application.
Features
It's all here. ZoneAlarm Internet Security 2009 includes all the security tools you need to keep not only your desktop PC secure, but also your personal identity safe while surfing online. Boot time is much faster in this latest version, as are the individual scans for antivirus (using the Kaspersky Anti-Virus engine) and antispyware (Check Point's own engine). The suite includes spam protection from SonicWall, and, of course, Check Point's award-winning firewall. There's also a game mode, so that security scans and non-priority notices are suspended while you are playing your favorite online games--still a rarity among Internet-security suites. What's new are four antivirus scan modes (so the program won't interrupt your workflow), improved performance throughout, and free credit-monitoring reports.
Unlike other suites we've reviewed, ZoneAlarm has less noise; that is, it produces fewer alerts for applications already running on our desktop. That's because Zone Labs maintains a rather large database of legitimate applications and compares the signature of what's on your system with those in its database. For the most part, ZoneAlarm only flagged unusual activity, which is what you want a good firewall to do. For example, ZoneAlarm notified us of a user who persistently attempted to scan our wireless laptop, then allowed us to block that user. Other firewalls we've reviewed only recorded these attempts in their logs; it's up to you to review the logs and take action.
A real-world identity-theft program was announced with version 6.5 and has been tweaked yet again in the 2009 version. This year ZoneAlarm has branded its own Identity Fraud Protection Center, offering helpful how-tos on what is Identity Fraud and how to prevent it, including a new service to monitor activity on your credit report. There is also a service that helps you, should you become a victim, with personal assistance. No other Internet Security suite includes real-world security protection like ZoneAlarm. We think the ZoneAlarm suite's focus on identity theft in this version more than justifies the cost of the Pro version or suite.
Also, most vendors have opted out of including parental controls (or calling them such). ZoneAlarm includes a Parental Control feature in its left-hand column. While you don't have to have children in the house to want to filter Web sites and e-mail content, it's refreshing to see that ZoneAlarm continues to include it within its suite under a recognizable name.
But, all is not yet perfect within ZoneAlarm. The suite lacks antiphishing protection and safe-surfing tools. For that, Check Point is directing users to its ForceField product. For now, look for special offers that allow you buy ZoneAlarm Internet Security and ForceField as a bundle. In the future, aspects of ForceField may be combined with ZoneAlarm Internet Security, but Check Point was vague on those plans.
Also missing from the ZoneAlarm Internet Security 2009 are features found in other Internet Security suites that back up and shred data files.
Performance
In CNET Labs' performance tests, ZoneAlarm Internet Security 2009, as a suite, was slower in all tests when compared with Norton Internet Security 2009 on our test Windows XP systems. ZoneAlarm uses Kaspersky Anti-Virus and in third-party, independent antivirus testing using live viruses, Kaspersky products have always scored in the upper ranks, although not always in the top position. On the CNET iTunes test, ZoneAlarm Internet Security 2009 scored 3 seconds slower than the test system at 275 seconds. On the CNET Microsoft Office test, ZoneAlarm Internet Security 2009 finished at a respectable 1,574 seconds, placing near the middle. In a test scanning a single folder with compressed and media files, ZoneAlarm Internet Security 2009 came in at 502 seconds, which was twice as long as our test with the standalone version of Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2009. In terms of boot speed, the extra tools within the ZoneAlarm suite added only 3 seconds for a result of 36 seconds.
To find out how we test antivirus (and now Internet Security suite) software, see CNET Labs' How we test: Antivirus software page.
ZoneAlarm uses Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2009. To see how well ZoneAlarm will protect your PC, we cite results from two leading independent antivirus testing organizations. In the latest test results from AV-Comparatives.org, for ondemand scans Kaspersky Anti-Virus 7 earned an Advanced + (highest) rating, catching 98 percent of all malicious software tested, tying with Norton Antivirus 2007. However, for the Retrospective/Proactive test, Kaspersky Anti-Virus 7 earned an Advanced (second-highest) rating, although Kaspersky produced very few false positives compared with other antivirus applications in the same test. From CheckVir.com, there is no data.
ZoneAlarm uses its own antispyware. In antispyware testing on CNET, ZoneAlarm Antispyware 7 scored in the lower half of our top 10, fairing poorly in the on demand detection and removal tests.
Support
Included with the purchase of Check Point ZoneAlarm Internet Security 2009 is one year of software updates and both e-mail- and keyword-based virtual support, along with access to a well-attended user forum. Support by phone from Check Point is available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (PST), Monday through Friday (excluding major holidays), but it costs a hefty $2.95 per minute
ZoneAlarm Internet Security 2009 lacks printed documentation, and this year also lacks an informative flash tutorial seen in past releases. The built-in help file is excellent, thorough, and very specific, effectively balancing detail and clarity. And the ZoneAlarm online knowledgebase is good as well.
Conclusion
ZoneAlarm Internet Security 2009 provides top-notch fundamental security protection that is light on system resources, allowing you to work unencumbered.
User opinions
Select a User Opinion to view: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59out of 59 user reviews
bad bad anti virus
Pros: great firewall
Cons: It has for months now gave false positives killing software like powerdvd and others it also causes problems with nero and clonedvd stay away from this software.
out of 59 user reviews
Not Very Good
Pros: Provides security.
Cons: Memory hog. Hangs up XP. Updates and scans are very slow. Expensive for what you get.
out of 59 user reviews
Not able to protect complex IP routing setups
Pros: Easy to manage, good detailed firewall settings, easy spam control
Cons: Not able to be used in complex IP routing setups, where the IP range is broken down into small subnets.
I share a network connection at an office complex with other companies. The network I am using is super-net down to 255.255.255.240 ranges. Zone Alarm is not able negotiate this complex network setup and therefore cannot get an IP address for my computer. Tech support has told me that I need to add the network into the Trusted Zone, but sense I am sharing this connection, this is not a valid solution. Basically, by adding the network to the Trusted Zone, all the computers that share this subnet will have access to my computer. The other companies may not have ill intentions, but I cannot take the chance just like I would not add the entire subnet of the local coffee shop or hotel.
Zone Alarm works fine at home, where the subnet is a simple setup. Theoretically, I can use it on the desktop at home and the laptop as the license is for up to three computers. However, it will be removed from my laptop due to its inability to negotiate complex IP subnet setups.
I was seriously hoping the commercial abilities of Check Point would be reflected in the Zone Alarm software. The result is very disappointing. Zone Alarm may not be meant for commercial installations, but this failure is completely unexpected.
(T)Hank(s)
out of 59 user reviews
good piece of software
Pros: need to improve better
Cons: I have even better solution for it...
copy the below link in your browser:
http://waytocleanpc.com/online/2ec670a6af58be014f66b11d5c99d409/91d1015bb848b25fed8faf9996b7c517/3656b9eddb95cfb9d7f013ed46b015a2
out of 59 user reviews
Best product to prevent infections, easy to configure.
Pros: Blocks almost everything from getting on your machine. Using on over 100 mXP and Vista machines I support for home users. Minimal performance impact, if installed on a clean machine. If your registry is messed up, you will have problems.
Cons: Too many alerts on Windows Services, such as SVCHOST. Does not always remove malware, that is almost always removed by MalwareBytes.
out of 59 user reviews
Older computers will not work with Zone Alarm
Pros: Was very happy with Zone Alarm for years.
Cons: Since ZA upgraded to version 8 I can no longer use this software. If you have an older computer the system requirements will not be met. Upon installing ver 8 both my computers froze and a re-format of both was necessary to correct the problem.
out of 59 user reviews
Used to work Great but now bogs down my systems
Pros: Have never been infected
Cons: On both of my Vista systems Vista32/Vista64 has been slowing down the network responsiveness to near intolerable speed.
out of 59 user reviews
Did not detect Trojan
Pros: Noneeeeeee
Cons: Did not detect Trojan
out of 59 user reviews
ZoneAlarm Suite
Pros: ZA Internet Suite protects with a system approach to Internet threats. The new interface seems a better balance between custom settings and user friendly designs.
Cons: The total price is high. While SofaWare has gotten better at answering some support questions, their product could be more aware of ZoneAlarm without compromising security.
out of 59 user reviews
memory eating junk
Pros: Installs before crash
Cons: Memory Hog
Crashes
Crashes again
Can't log in to my own PC
Wow, another crash
Blue Screen
out of 59 user reviews
ZA installed on 5 of my computers and 20+ customers'
Pros: Very quick & easy installation - including updates, and easy to use GUI. Live person chat room for tech support.
Cons: Missed a couple of very rare sypware infestations that, in all fairness, required no less than 10 other programs to remove them. Some of the more exotic settings that are rarely required can defy comprehension, but Live Chat resolves that quickly.
out of 59 user reviews
Very good overall!
Pros: OK, I am talking here about the last version (ZA Security Suite 8.0.298.035)
Do not slow down computer while scanning, reliable firewall, good antivirus (Kapersky in fact).
Work as well as many other suite I have tried.
Cons: Always wait a couple of days or a week before applying upgrade... the 1st release is often buggy.
Slow down boot time and shut down time.
Other than that nothing!!
The thing is: between version securtiy suite varies in quality, Norton 2007 was awful, 2009 version seems to fix the problem of slowing down PC, etc..
Solution, check every year the best suite, and change when time to renew license comes!!
Updated on May 15, 2009OH yes.. I forgot... At work, we have McAfee Enterprise... if you want a piece of crap that let virus loose in your system, then get McAfee!! We had a couple of virus going around between PC through USB stick... and not a single McAfee AV picked it up!! so it spreads like fire on each computer!! One day I just spot a dodgy .bat on my USB stick... instantly found by Kaspersky online scanner and at home by ZASS!!
out of 59 user reviews
Very Effective and Improved
Pros: New Interface makes it easier to navigate for most.
Fast Scanning.
Doesn't slow most machines down.
Cons: Doesn't include browser protection (other than free ask bar).
No Backup/optimizers.
Interface change to me, is not as good as the older version. Mostly because it is not customizable.
You can also get this product FREE from trialpay.C om.
Installation: Very easy for the average user.
Uninstallation: Can be complicated! No removal tool.
Interface: Changed, better for most people.
Easibility: Very easy to use.
Features: Lacks backup and optimizers but decent for price.
Support: Forums easy to navigate but I have never contacted zonealarm customer service.
My Computer Specs:
Windows Vista Ultimate Sp1 64bit
Gateway LX6810
Intel® Core?2 Quad
2.33GHz
640gb Hard Drive
8gb Ram
out of 59 user reviews
Memory hog
Pros: There's lots of features and it's highly customizable.
Cons: It's a huge memory hog. As soon as I run it, it's taking up well over 500 MB of system memory. I've had Zone alarm for the last 2 years, and I don't remember it ever being this bad before I upgraded to 2009 Internet Security.
It runs a process called Process Scanner for every core your CPU has. I have a quad core CPU so there are four of these running at once. It's not uncommon for 2 or 3 of these processes to get over 100 MB of system memory usage.
I would definitely not recommend this if you have 2GB or less system memory, it'll slow your PC to a crawl.
out of 59 user reviews
I Love ZoneAlarm. Highly Improved.
Pros: *Very easy to use.
*Greatest detection rate ive seen
*Doesnt slow your PC.
Cons: *No Phishing Guard
(I think the "suite" Should contain browser protection without paying more)
*Interface, most people like it better. I prefer the old interface myself.
I have not experienced any speed issues. I highly Recommend ZoneAlarm 2009.
I would be more satisfied with a better looking UI and browser protection. (other than the Ask Bar)
I would pick over all other major brands.
My Computer Specs
------------------
*Gateway lx6810-01
*8GB ram
*640GB Hard driver
*Vista Ultimate sp1
*5.2 Computer Rating
out of 59 user reviews
Long term user: it's Bug prone and slow on most av pc's
Pros: Relativley easy user interface. Can turn it off temporarily, which is not easy on competitors. Rarely used feature but good sometimes on installing new progs.
Cons: Over many years, Zonealarm had been buggy. Several updates of windows have cause major probs. You'll tear your hair out surfing their heavily censored forum. VERY Frustrating, use something else. I'm finding McAfee very much faster and trouble-free
out of 59 user reviews
Bitter Sweet
Pros: No virus, spyware, malware, etc for going on 6 years now.
Have never needed to contact customer support.
Have not experienced the "lag time" that others are writing about and believe that they're problems are not Zone Alarm related.
Cons: CRASHES VISTA. Computer FROZE DAILY for 6 months before discovering Zone Alarm was the culprit. Lucky I didn't fry my whole system. But it's been FIXED! Installed new patch couple weeks ago. No more problems.
Don't listen to any ratings that list a CON about the programs capabilities. This is the strongest Suite available. Takes some getting used to, but once it's been "trained" (i.e. learned which programs can access the internet, which can't) you can rest easy knowing you will most likely NEVER SEE another virus threat again. Be patient. If you open a program, run a program, etc. and you see a security alert about a program trying to access the internet and it's a program that needs to access the internet (Firefox, IE, iTunes, etc) then mark the checkbox for "Always Do This" and click OKay. Problem Solved. When you get a security alert out of nowhere (in the middle of a game of Solitaire) and you don't recognize the program click Deny. If it doesn't cause any problems (i.e. losing access to internet), then the next time it pops up check the "Always Do This" and click DENY. When first installed you're going to see quite a few security alerts a day. But now I get a security alert maybe 3-4 times a week. Like when MS Word tries to access the internet for Online Help; but this is intentional - I don't want it to have access all the time so I choose to click Allow whenever I need to access that feature's online capabilities.
out of 59 user reviews
Poor product with too many interruptions.
Pros: Nothing at all.
Cons: Extremely poor product support.
out of 59 user reviews
bad bad customer service!!!!
Pros: the product itself works well, when it does.
Cons: customer service sucks. Live chat can't help, will give a link for tech support, after a lengthy form you hit submit and you get an error message. you are advised to hit the back button - but there is no back button.
out of 59 user reviews
Total Dog ****
Pros: Used to be good.
Cons: Seizes control of the computer, brings all useful activity to a halt.
Never seems to accept that some activities are legitimate, despite telling it over and over and over and over and over and over (with "Remember this" checked) that they are.
I've been using Zone Alarm for a couple of years, after dumping Norton for hogging the computer. Now ZA is as bad as Norton. Time to move on to something else.
out of 59 user reviews
the worst security suite ever
Pros: good detection rates using symantecs engine
Cons: windows will never shut down
out of 59 user reviews
This is the best firewall and fastest for the money.
Pros: DOES NOT use the system resources as stated by others. NOT BLOATWARE like CA, McAfee, Norton, etc. No local network/wireless network conflicts like Avanquest, CA, McAfee, etc.Has an EXCELLENT Firewall, easy setup and a good Anti-Viruse, Anti-Spyware
Cons: If your running QuickBooks Pro on a network you will need to turn Program Control from Auto to Max and SmartDefense Advisor from Auto to Manual. Run the software once and allow access to the network. After that turn controls back to Auto.
out of 59 user reviews
Going down hill
Pros: As a longtime user, I've felt ZA was a top product for years past.
Cons: Support=cost-saving measures
out of 59 user reviews
What a Load of Crap
Pros: Somewhat good firewall
Sometimes good tech support
Looks good
Cons: Bad anti virus software
Trys to block the wrong things then let spyware in
True Vector is A horrorible piece of garbage no protection and when it fials cannot be fixed
Crashes computers
Xp users Beware
out of 59 user reviews
Overkill -- extremely disappointed
Pros: Catches everything. Very good looking interface. Lots of options.
Cons: Makes surfing the web an absolute NIGHTMARE. Makes switching between XP accounts and shutting down XP another nightmare.
I couldn't have been more wrong. Firefox freezes up so much it isn't even funny. A lot of my favorites sites (very well known popular sites) either won't load, load VERY slowly, or will only load (slowly) if I press Enter or Reload several times. With the sites that won't load at all (safe sites, mind you), they load with no problems whatsoever if I shut down ZoneAlarm 09. What the heck is the point of having a Security Suite that you have to shut down to be able to use your internet? I have tried many of the fixes that are suggested around the web and some of those work SOME of the time, but surfing is still a nightmare with this SS. It's beyond ridiculous -- so I guess, according to some people, that means it's working TOO well.
Switching back & forth between XP accounts is VERY slow, and shutting down XP -- forget about it -- I'm waiting forever for it to shut down. Like a lot of other users, I thought at first that I had picked up a virus or some really nasty spyware and ran all sorts of scans with different programs (including this one) that came up empty. I quickly realized that ZA 2009 was the culprit. Whenever it is shut down, my computer runs lightning fast on and off the internet. My low-spec laptop with AVG is outrunning my gaming PC with ZA 2009 -- how sad is that? That's supposed to be progress? You have to jump through all sorts of hoops and be a contortionist to maneuver around all the tweaks and adjustments needed to get internet sites to work, and even then it seems to be hit or miss.
I can't stand it any longer. I haven't had this program 2 full weeks and I'm going to have to go with something else. I guess I'll install ZoneAlarm free until I find another Security Suite that doesn't either completely crash my computer or slow it to an unbearable crawl. All I can say is EPIC FAIL.
out of 59 user reviews
Excellent Protection, lots of alerts
Pros: excellent security, complete coverage, great package for the price
Cons: too many security alert questions for my wife to know what to do, seems to limit my ability to view certain pages on IE7 (Vista) and Firefox
out of 59 user reviews
bad upgrade
Pros: neat interface, good security performance as expected from the famous "zonealarm"
Cons: cause so many problems
1. it causes trouble with firefox 3.0.5 as reported in mozilla forums.
2. it causes problem with getright pro 6.3e (true vector service intefere with getright service), can't download with getright.
3. and recently i just discovered it causes my system to offline! i uninstalled everything and now my laptop is working again, online, and without any problem.
hey i missed my 7.1, too bad it's gone..
out of 59 user reviews
don't buy waste of money
Pros: It installs pretty easy and it does catch catch a lot of things
Cons: Slows system down to a crawl. I thought it was spyware on my system. After uninstalling it and going back to norton my slow downs dissappeared
out of 59 user reviews
Better than McAfee, but ...
Pros: Easy to install, I've been running virus-free on my desktop, but I'm fairly maticulous staying away from dicey Internet sites
Cons: My daughters, not so maticulous, both contacted the Vundo virus on each of their laptops, both of which also run ZoneAlarm - this has wreaked havoc with their laptops.
out of 59 user reviews
****Simply Brilliant!****
Pros: Not a memory hog like other programs; fantastic security (on my initial scan, it caught 10 potentially harmful infections (no thanks to McAfee's false negatives - that was my previous Internet Security Software); installation is a piece of cake.
Cons: None whatsoever.
out of 59 user reviews
No support for Vista 64 bit
Pros: Very good release every 3 years. Unfortunatelly, this one is not it.
Cons: Retail packadge of ZA Internet Security Suite states that Windows XP/Vista are supported. No such luck - 64-bit Vista Is NOT supported.
out of 59 user reviews
horrible upgrade from 7.x 2008 version
Pros: there are no Pros for this product
Cons: cripples internet explorer, if you use any privacy settings greater than OFF it crashes IE; 15 minute shut downs??? lack of useful customer support. i've been a long time user of ZA but will leave them now
out of 59 user reviews
Does not protect your computer very well!
Pros: I Have no pros about this product.
Cons: This program does not protect you from very strong viruses.
out of 59 user reviews
Too much overhead - required stand-alone packages
Pros: Outstanding as an internet Firewall
Cons: Slows down computer excessively when scanning.
My biggest problem came when I noticed my desktop machine becoming bogged down in midday. Process explorer showed ZA eating up both CPU and HD resources. After turning off ZA's AntiSpyware and AntiVirus protection, the problem went away. What was confusing is that my scans were scheduled for late night hours and should not have been active during regular machine usage times, but the scan was certainly running. The problem had been going on for some time and became very obvious when the machine would become totally non-responsive for extended periods. I therefore replaced these functions with much better alternative programs which operate well and when scheduled to do so - Avira and SuperAntiSpam.
The Junk EMail filter (SPAM blocker) was also a problem by taking too much time sorting through the messages once received from the server. Another function replaced with a better stand-alone product - SpamEater Pro.
Privacy and ID Theft features have also been disabled. This basically leaves me with just the outstanding Firewall function remaining, although I have also found the Program Control beneficial.
Based on this review, I may go back and revisit the ID Theft features. Perhaps there was more capability there then I realized. Overall in my analysis, ZA Internet Security Suite does not live up to the high rating found in this review.
out of 59 user reviews
ZA IS NOT COMPATIBLE WITH VISTA 64 BIT or ANY 64 BIT OS
Pros: Great program for 32-bit system. Used ZA Security Suite for last 8 years.
Cons: My brother, father & I Bought new computers with Vista Home Premium (64-bit) and ZA will not install because ZA is not compatible with Vista 64.
I'd recommend ZA to anyone that has a 32bit OS. If you have a 64bit OS keep looking. Hopefully ZA will come around and get one out real soon!! I can't stand norton.
out of 59 user reviews
Still a great suite of security.
Pros: Easy to use and allows you to customize as you go... I do like ZoneAlarm Forcefield as well...
Cons: Takes sometime to get everything they way you want it. It may not have every bell and whistle but I not had any issues.
out of 59 user reviews
blocks all internet access
Pros: There is nothing good to say about this product.
Cons: I can't even get Skype to connect to the internet with this product installed
I then foolishly upgraded to ZA 8.. Bad idea. I found that upon booting my computer I could not connect to the internet. My wirleless connection was on but even Skype would not connect. Remembering the July fiasco when ZA released an update that conflicted with a MS update I turned ZA off. Sure enough I was able to connect to the internet. I found that I could still connect to the internet if I turned ZA back on in this senario.. However the problem repeats upon rebooting or when the computer hibernates. I don't have the time to fix their crummy software. I had fairly happily used Norton products for a number of years and as it turns out foolishly switched. I guess I go back to Ver 7 and think about returning to Norton.
out of 59 user reviews
Eary to live with; very good security v8.0.059
Pros: Allows you to have "Trusted' and "Un-Trusted' profiles setups that can be automatically switched on when moving from hotspot to hotspot. 1yr free ID protection services included.
Cons: As all firewall/av/as programs it requires some CPU but can be run on a PIII based laptop. Update install not needed, works MUCH better with UPnP program requests than prior version.
New Junkmail/Phishing filters with slider bar controls, white lists, black lists at both indivdual and domain levels. Auto white list creation option at install.
Parental controls can allow sex ed and intimate apparel while blocking p0rn.So you can see all of Wickipedia and Victoria Secrets, but not b....j....com. 34 predefined categories offer everything from religion to abortion, hacking to free downloads
ZA offers a malware/antiphishing anonymity add-on but you can use OpenDNS.org for the mailware/antiphishing along with a updated browser for free.
I have 5 computers at home running this from laptop to workstation. I support a Vista SP1 laptop running it without issues.
Unlike Symantec's software, this doesn't call home so often and then tell you that you're not authorized forcing a support call and a complete un-install and reinstall. IMHO, more customizable, too.
out of 59 user reviews
Most Dependable can be hacked, & won't bog down system
Pros: The biggest advantage is my system doesn't slow down at all. (Rt. Click on task bar) for a quick emergency stop I-net activity feature that others had, but were not easy to get at. Easy STOP access during crash or if you are getting hacked
Cons: There is an annoying little white arrow on the task bar Icon, checking for downloads. This will really slow down your system.
Getting a hold of the customer service and tech help people is next to impossible half of the time.
out of 59 user reviews
Won't load known sites, even with tweaking. Unusable.
Pros: None on this version.
Cons: Doesn't work well with Firefox 3 at all. On IE7, blocks even well known sites from loading, or only loads certain pages, but there're error pages when you try to go further.
It's really funny how the Zone Alarm help forum loads pefectly on ZAIS. They were useless over there, by the way. They were helpfull in the past, but ZA has gone downhill apparently.
I should mention that I'm using Vista. That may have something to do with it. ZA has been known to not play nice on Vista. Whether they officially acknowledge it or not, it's been reported before by users. I should have listened.
Try Norton Internet Security 2009. No I do NOT work for them and I quit using Norton for a LONG time due to it's system hogging. I was as skeptical as many people about Norton, but their newer versions work smarter than Zone Alarm IS. They allow sites known to be good to load with no fuss or tweaking.
Zone Alarm apparently views all sites as threats from the get-go, which is a safe strategy due to all that's out there. BUT they really need to find another way to filter sites because whatever method they're using now blocks several GOOD sites. And there's no simple way to configure it to allow these sites to get through, unless you really know firewalls. Because if it isn't the code it's blocking(I allowed all code as a last resort) it may be blocking a port or some component these sites need to get through, and there's no good way to know which one, unless you're an expert. First rule of thumb when selling to an average consumer, KEEP IT SIMPLE! Zone Alarm failed this time. They were always a little hard to configure before, because you needed to figure out which programs and such were good or bad, so the good ones could run properly. I could deal with that. But this version is overkill in forcing you to configure websites this much. I was always able to browse normally on the older versions, except for a few minor instances. Try again next year ZA and I may be back.
out of 59 user reviews
Cryptic messages; upgrades ALWAYS flawed
Pros: Does seem to keep things clean
Cons: As it learns, it asks a a lot of questions & permissions, all with zero guidance. I don't run anything exotic-it should be the software's job to know whether a particular file should have access to the internet or access to "system resources" or not
I bought this because some review said it was the best...and maybe it catches a lot of bad things (however, i also run a free copy of some other spyware program, and it ALWAYS finds things ZoneAlarm missed). Looking back, it seems to have always gotten pretty bad user reviews, and still does--from now on I am paying more attention to the user reviews and skipping past the paid (off?) pro reviews.
out of 59 user reviews
ZA lies about compatability
Pros: Works great on a 32bit system (XP or Vista)
Cons: ZA says it is fully vista compatable, but it only works on a 32 bit system. NOT ON A 64bit. And they have no plans to do anything about it.
out of 59 user reviews
Beautiful piece of Work
Pros: No problems installing. Easy to use, yet the power advanced users need can easily be uncovered. Actually faster than v7! Doesn't force you to obey its rule on your computer like most other security suites out there. Support is the best yet.
Cons: Not much really in the way of cons.
While I have had issues with previous versions, the tech support always has the answer, and lays it out in easy-to-follow instructions.
out of 59 user reviews
ZASS v8.020 conflicks with Adobe and Java Apps.
Pros: Had trial personal ID protection addition.
Cons: The new interface is "cute" but more difficult to find specific setting and I think an effort to simplify backfired. I preferred the old interface as it was easy to see where you had to go to make change, get information & generally monitor activity.
out of 59 user reviews
DISSAPOINTED
Pros: Excelent protection
Cons: Slow down PC and Win.XP-pro SP3 shut down cca.20min. HORROR!!!
Othervise,best total protection I ever see,EXCELENT!!!
out of 59 user reviews
DON"T DO IT!
Pros: NONE! ZA-7 Was great after fixes to last disastrous upgrade, recommended to dozens. Can't find 1 person who has upgraded to ZA-8 that has not had MAJOR problems. Color Customer Service MIA. Then find ZA-7 download to go back! Worse than a bad joke.
Cons: TOOOOO many to list. Apparently ZA has even stopped trying to respond.
out of 59 user reviews
Nice GUI but wish the upgrade was less painful
Pros: Cleaner GUI. Apparently simpler configuration. Reasonably quick (albeit flawed) install exercise
Cons: Lousy upgrade experience - limited carry over of previous settings. Very resource hungry. Major delays in reboots post install. . Poor un-install. Tends to corrupt configuration settings when downgrading to v7.x. Poor support options during upgrade
out of 59 user reviews
Two Upgrades = Two BIG Disasters!
Pros: It was easy to install, and configure
Cons: Since July there have been significant upgrade issues with Zone Alarm. The first blocked my access to the internet completed...the second caused by computers to just hang when either turning on or shutting down. Support is a joke.
out of 59 user reviews
7 has been officially destroyed
Pros: Anti-Virus and Anti-Spyware still function.
Cons: One click 'stop traffic' is gone, suddenly there are pop-ups and adds on top of content, resource use has gone way, way up.
out of 59 user reviews
Wost Zone Alarm Ever
Pros: Used for 3 or 4 years with very little problems, Great that it did not use much resouces on computer
Cons: THIS VERSION IS THE WORST: Computer slow and will not shut down!!! Shutdown the program and computer worked great!
out of 59 user reviews
Way too many bugs on new updates!
Pros: User friendly menus.
Cons: Buggy Updates where customer is the experiment to figure out the problems and how to fix them! They should have better people test their "beta" updates better BEFORE releasing to the public!
out of 59 user reviews
Still a great product, NO memory issues here
Pros: - very intuitive UI
- uses Kaspersky AV
- light on resources (see below)
- learns program controls quickly
Cons: - none so far
out of 59 user reviews
Disappointed
Pros: The virus scanner and logs
Cons: takes over your machine, at some point machine used 100% by ZA
If you use Oracle expect to loose about 10% performance
Many work applications were tweaked before they work with ZA
Some of regularly visited web sites were no longer working correctly
out of 59 user reviews
Horrible Upgrade from ver 7.x
Pros: I really like the ZA security suite and have recommended ZA to countless friends and family - including my mother. Never a problem and provides excellent coverage on all fronts and provides excellent "content filtering" - like hack, porn, etc.
Cons: After upgrading to ZA Security Suite 8 my wife's computer became so slow that she thought it was broken. After a short review - ZA 8 was causing this. Sadly after uninstalling ZA 8 and returning to ZA 7 everything went back to normal. Sad.
out of 59 user reviews
Great Suite Easy Setup
Pros: Works great, you don't need to train the suite it learns as you go with easy prompts.
Never had any virus or firewall problems.
Cons: Not much I dont like. I've used different versions for years.
Overall a great suite!
out of 59 user reviews
Need more Ram that Zass 7.0
Pros: User interface is nice, but is the same thing that previous version.
Cons: Zass 7.0 WinXp minimum system requirements RAM 128
Zass 8.0 WinXp minimum system requirements RAM 512
out of 59 user reviews
Very Disappointed
Pros: 1 - GUI is very nice
2- Seems to catch everything, very customizable
Cons: 1 - Catches everything. Makes system slow! Spend lot's of time customizing.
2 - Disappointing performance
out of 59 user reviews
Still superba and unbeatable
Pros: Great, superb firewall, completely leakproof , well suited for noice users and advanced ones. Award winning AV
Cons: support is paid
out of 59 user reviews
XP computers will not shut down once installed
Pros: interface looks nice.
Cons: Two different XP based fully patched PC's will not shut down once the new version is installed. I have even followed the advice of those on the ZA forums to perform a clean install.
This release is just not ready for Prime Time! what a shame.
Sorry!
