No computer defense is complete unless a firewall is also installed, since the antivirus solution cannot make it on its own in front of the many threats that can be found on the Internet. This is why ZoneAlarm Free might sound like a pretty good idea since it can work with basically every Windows version out there and, as its name suggests, it comes with no price tag attached to it.

ZoneAlarm is already a well-known name in the security market, so a freeware solution is bound to attract beginners and power users alike.

Extra care is recommended when installing the application though. The setup kit offers to install a browser toolbar and change the default homepage and search engine, and these items are not required in order for the app to function seamlessly. Users have to make sure their Internet connection is working as the setup needs to download some components to complete the installation process.

The interface is the same as the one encountered in the shareware ZoneAlarm products and it includes PC security, safe browsing and identity protection. Each of these functions are meant to protect a certain specific area, ranging from blocking malware, to preventing identity theft when online.

Novices can leave all the settings to their standard values, and the computer would still be safe, as together with a powerful antivirus solution this freeware utility is able to block basically every single malicious file.

One of the functions that attract users is the Game Mode, which, when enabled, ensures that no security alerts or notifications disturb the gaming experience.

All in all, ZoneAlarm Free is the type of product meant to make users feel safer when using it, not only because it perfectly fits their requirements, but also because it is very friendly with computer resources even while blocking attacks.