ZoneAlarm Free Firewall 12 Review

very good
key review info
application features
  • Clean and intuitive UI
  • (4 more, see all...)

A computer's firewall system is the first line of defense against any intruders, whether we're talking about incoming or outgoing network traffic.

Windows' built-in firewall surely does a satisfactory job on its own, but this rule usually applies to casual surfers. Meanwhile, those with a taste for adventure who frequently dive into the questionable corners of the Internet usually rely on other developers than Microsoft to stand their ground.

ZoneAlarm has been around for a long time, and its free firewall closely looks at network traffic to point out and block any suspicious activity. With the ultimate goal being to ensure round-the-clock PC protection, the utility can either work together with anti-malware programs or set in motion its own module against viruses and spyware.

Unpacking the program files takes little time. However, users should be extra careful when going through the setup steps. Since it is ad-supported, ZoneAlarm offers to download and install third-party tools that it does not need to work properly, as well as to change some web browser settings (there is a “skip all offers” option). Plus, the app control must be set to auto-learn mode (automatically configures security settings based on user behavior) or maximum security mode (manually).

The interface is pretty straightforward, with the main window providing direct access to the three main components of ZoneAlarm: antivirus, firewall, together with identity and data. As far as looks is concerned, it has been greatly improved since our previous review.

Moreover, a system tray icon is created to ensure quick access to the main panel, scanning, updating, game mode (disables notifications when working in fullscreen apps), stopping all Internet activity, as well as for putting the firewall or antivirus on snooze for five minutes.

The antivirus module is excluded from the setup kit, as the PC is presumed to already have this type of security software installed. Otherwise, it can be retrieved with the click of a button for free to fend off any viruses or spyware agents that may attempt to breach the firewall, backed by a real-time guard. Quick and full scans (including or excluding archive files) can be run at any time, as well as scheduled.
Moving on to the core component of the application, the firewall is designed to block any invasions and hacker activity through “Basic Firewall,” as well as to notify the user whenever a piece of software attempts to establish an online connection via “Application Control” (alerts pop up from the system tray area). Untrusted sources leave room for error when it comes to security vulnerabilities.
Programs which intend to access the network are controlled via “zones.” Basically, they are split into two categories: trusted (like LAN) and untrusted. Specific networks can be added to a list of trusted or public zones, while ZoneAlarm can be set to block all fragments and both trusted and public servers, allow VPN protocols and high-risk ones, lock the hosts file, disable Windows Firewall, and enable ARP protection. On network detection, the tool may automatically include or exclude it from the trusted zone, or just prompt the user for an action each time.
Similar to the Windows Firewall, it is possible to adjust the security level, in this case separately for the basic firewall (public and trusted zone) and application control modules (network firewall screening and SmartDefense Advisor, a service that connects to the network community to share and identify potentially dangerous and unknown apps and signatures). All events are logged.
The final tab in the main window is dedicated to identity and data. As the name implies, this module is made to shield the user's identity by monitoring web browsers and displaying alerts. It is possible to install a privacy toolbar that features tracker blocking (Do Not Track) and a personal Facebook privacy report, activate a tool that backs up personal data on a remote and secure website (with 5GB available space), as well as enable an online-and-offline protection service which mostly handles identity theft scenarios or suspicious credit activity.
In case the workstation is shared with other users (especially the younger audience), ZoneAlarm may be locked down with a password. Furthermore, it is possible to use proxies, load the antivirus and firewall at system startup automatically until further notice, as well as back up and restore security settings.

The Good

Available only for Windows, OS compatibility extends to Windows 8/8.1 (32 and 64 bit). Help documentation is available.

The default settings are perfect for inexperienced users, while the advanced options let experts customize ZoneAlarm's behavior, such as adjusting the security level.

All activity can be inspected in the logging area. Antivirus updates and scans (quick and full), along with program updates can be scheduled if the user plans to leave the computer unattended for a longer period of time.

The utility is very prompt when an application attempts to access the Internet. Since it sits quietly in the system tray area, the user can comfortably carry on with normal activity without noticing ZoneAlarm's presence. Game mode disables alerts when working with other apps in full screen.

The Bad

ZoneAlarm's antivirus cannot compete with other programs dedicated solely to malware detection and removal. It is rather slow and system resources tend to choke. Even so, it builds a decent alliance with the firewall component.

SmartDefense Advisor basically lists a recommendation whenever a program tries to access the Internet (i.e. allow or block it). However, we have noticed that advice is not yet available for some popular apps, such as Adobe Flash Player updates.

On top of that, the tool did not acknowledge ESET NOD32's presence on our computers. It had some general stability issues on Windows 8.1 during our testing, such as frequent crashes and the failed attempt to open links on click (e.g. help file, online backup).

There is no sandbox feature integrated for advanced users who want to safely test run utilities.

Like most ad-supported applications, inexperienced users are likely to unwillingly install third-party components during the setup. They can be avoided by paying a little attention, though.

The Truth

Considering that it is a free program, ZoneAlarm Free Firewall is stronger than the Windows Firewall, successfully isolating the machine from dangerous or unknown web-based activity. Those looking for an all-around security package may resort to ZoneAlarm Extreme Security.

user interface 4
features 4
ease of use 4
pricing / value 5


final rating 4
Editor's review
very good
 
NEXT REVIEW: Picasa