safety

Grudge · Post by **Grudge** » Thu Sep 11, 2003 9:28 pm

Hello all. I was just wondering if anyone out there uses ZoneAlarm Pro? it is a firewall program. Does anyone know anything about it. I am using the free 30 day trial and it is pretty involved but it seems to work pretty good. just wondering if anyone had any input on this program or another....thnx-Grudge

XoR · Post by **XoR** » Thu Sep 11, 2003 9:58 pm

Hi Grudge, I've been using ZA pro for quite some time, and I think its a very solid product. It earns its keep blocking popups and mobile code, which, unfortuneately, can often block what you want to work, thus introducing the complex nature of the program for new users. Involved and convoluted site lists and permissions ooze off the interface like your running a deep underground nuclear power plant. Once you get used to it, it becomes second nature.

So is the Pro version worth the 40 bucks? Well, It depends how much web popup and cookie management matters to you. I'm sure you could find all the functionality of ZA pro in free products out there, but ZA pro wraps them all up into one neat package. One drawback that bothers me is there is no detailed portmapper letting you know "in the flesh" what port is servicing what and so on. (my fav is Vision from Foundstone)

Another drawback could be that ZA pro has to be renewed every year for around 30 bucks. I don't mind supporting products I use so this doesn't bother me.

I just gotta say that my old school favorite firewall was Tiny's 2.015A which is now Kerio personal firewall. Fast , simple, secure, and free. I use this on my servers.

Good luck Grudge, and its good to see you're getting ZA. The MS Blasters and most other worms would do alot less damage if people would just learn how to protect themselves.

Later!

Grudge · Post by **Grudge** » Thu Sep 11, 2003 10:06 pm

thnx for the input and info Xor.

Rayden · Post by **Rayden** » Fri Sep 12, 2003 2:44 am

I have to agree with Xor. I've been using ZA for a couple of years now, and after the initial learning curve, have been more than happy with it. I highly recommend it.

Post by **Archangelus** » Fri Sep 12, 2003 10:41 pm

IDO and I use BlackICE from Network ICE.

-Arch

Grudge · Post by **Grudge** » Sat Sep 13, 2003 12:54 am

I have heard the name (black ice) thrown around. I will look into it after my 30 day free trial of Zone Alarm is up. So far I think it works good, tho I must admit I have no prior knowledge of any such programs.