Customer Reviews

Zone Alarm Pro 4

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(7)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(10)

 

 

If you are using Zone Alarm's latest release you WILL not be able to use this boxed version to extend your update access; nor will you be able to bring your version up to the current one after installing this boxed version--both of which happened to me.

(The current version is 4.5.594.000; which fixed a bug discovered by certain nitwits trying to use a Consumer product to protect commercial email servers; DO NOT USE ZA TO PROTECT YOUR SERVERS; GET A NAT OR PROXY SERVER)

The version number of the boxed release is 4.0 something and if you try to install it--even AFTER you uninstalled the NEWER version, wait, it gets sillier--you won't be able to access ZoneAlarm's update servers. Not only that, after I tried to update it with my previous version, it refused to install (and this was tried on multiple computers with the same result). So not only does this boxed version deny you access to ZA's updates but also is unable to be updated--and this was after I used WinDelete to make sure all of the NEWER version had been removed from registry and the myriad Windows subfolders XP likes to put files in. (Unlike some reviewers, I didn't even get to the mess with the activation code!)

So, in sum, if you have a version newer than 4.1, you'll not be able to use the prog in this box. Perhaps it would work on a clean machine but I don't know.

This leaves you without current protection making you vulnerable to hacks designed to work around ZoneAlarm. Which defeats the whole purpose of shelling out the cash in the first place.

Bottom line: ZoneAlarm software: FIVE STARS
Broderbund boxed version: MINUS FIVE STARS, since that's not an option: ONE STAR.

After a little trouble with Amazon's customer service I convinced them that they had sold me a useless product (something akin to selling me a carbeurator for my '04 Mercedes). I was able to get a full refund without the credit card company rigamarole. So, another gold star for Amazon's reasonableness.

But forget this product. Got to ZoneAlarm.com and buy the download/subscription version. You'll receive the latest version in a small executable (less than five MB so even Dial-Up people can download it in a reasonable amount of time; as always use a good download manager with your dialup connection) and/or a CD if you wish.

Fifty bucks may seem a little pricey, but ZoneAlarm has repelled literally hundreds of hacker probes (up to ten a day)in the years I've used it. It's also stopped dozens of programs from trying to send unknown information for unknown purposes. Certain companies are worse than others about this; you'll see it once you've got a current version running.

No prog can access the net without your permission.

Even if you've never used ZoneAlarm, avoid this box. Broderbund's Customer Service (since ZA itself only does tech support, CSR on downloadable subscriptions) is almost universally detested as even a casual reading of most of these reviews will show.

I saw a "4.5" version of the Broderbund box at BestBuy this weekend, but I still would go directly to this source. Why go around the mountain to go next door?

Finally, Zone Labs/Intermute is a great company that makes great software which I've been using (starting with Ad-Subtract, most of whose functions have been incorporated in ZoneAlarm Pro) for nearly seven years know.

And, in that time, I've found their email tech support to be fairly quick and helpful. Having done tech support I can tell you that selecting the proper number of support staff is essentially impossible. Therefore, a spike in need for Support's services can cause delays. Just be patient; they've always gotten around to my issues.

And please, be polite. The poor schlub making $10 bucks an hour on the phone or who's routed your email has no control over anything. Tech Support reps are the serfs of the IT industry and they never cease reminding you of your lowly condition. So keep that in mind the next you feel like going off on the poor 19 year old in Arkansas who's undertrained, underpaid, over-bossed with supervisors' constant reminders of dispensibility ringing in the ear. Sorry, that was off topic. Call it my pro-Tech Support Rep rant and my respect for those still doing this thankless, worthless job!!!

Ok maybe in college with a program due the next morning. But that was over 15 years and two computer science degrees ago.
Used Zone Alarm for about 8 months. Like it said, "Its yappy at first then settles down." Seemed to work ok. The help is weak and, as other posters point out, tech support is laughable. It will prompt you to allow this, that, and the other program access to the internet. Which is fine if you know things like onij.exe need access to the internet or not. I found that their meager database recognized the program perhaps 1 out of ten times when the additional help button was clicked. So a fair amount of expermentation is called for.
That's the good part. Late last week it got a wild hair and shut down my internet access. Could still get e-mail and access to my local net (ether and wireless), but just presented a bs message in my browser. The message included an estimate of how long it would take to "fix" my system. Their guess: 5-15 minutes. Actual elapsed time: 84 hours! Total man hours approached 15. This is after following all the crap in their html page, then !!!FAXING!!!! them my problem and waiting for a response. Wasn't faxing banned in the 20th Century? This was followed by an e-mail directing me to hand delete no less than 19 of their files in various subdirectories. (I tried to get it off of my system using Add/Remove Programs, but their uninstall failed. Interesting that throughout this process they never mentioned that I try their uninstall.) Of course, we have the 50 reboots that are required for anything done on a windows box. Sprinkled in booting in safe mode a few times to delete more files that were locked and undeleteable with a full windows load. Its times like this that I wish I would have gotten that law degree. Please, DO NOT BUY THIS SOFTWARE. I have never felt compelled to post an online review of anything until this piece of ... crossed my path. If you work for ZoneLabs, please go find another McJob. This is the most user-hostile program I've ever had the misfortune to come across. I mean no disrespect, but I can only concur with malenor that reviewers with positive ratings may not have used the program long or are somehow associated with the company. I still wince every time I bring up my browser, waiting to see that my internet access is blocked by zone alarm. Thanks for reading, hope it helps.

Product under review: Zone Alarm Pro 4.0 (ZAP 4, retail boxed version)

PROS:

1) It is the BEST firewall software currently available.

2) The program is small, stable, very user configurable, efficient and effective.

3) The latest versions are packed with features that go beyond just a software based firewall solution to include mail safety, password protection, cookie control, popup ad blocker, cache cleaning, and extensive privacy features.

4) Coupled with good Antivirus software such as McAfee AV, Norton AV, Kaspersky AV, etc. , Zone Alarm Pro 4 enhances PC security and privacy to the highest levels.

5) Also works great for privacy and firewall protection on small to medium sized business networks, public wireless access networks such as airports, or for remote internet dialup connections.

6) Frequent updates (if accessible) keep Zone Alarm firewall secure against the latest hacker, virus and worm attacks.

7) More easily customizable than "hardware only" based firewall solutions while still retaining the most advanced firewall features.

CONS:

1) The software can be confusing for the pure novice computer user to set up and use if the right options are not chosen during installation.

2) ZAP 4 requires interaction of the computer user during the "learning phase" of configuration to enable friendly programs access through the firewall to the internet. Not allowing the correct degree of access to these programs may prevent those programs from working properly.

3) Retail version of the ZAP 4 CD comes with a crippled activation code that works fine for the older version on the CD you just purchased but you are required to register for a new code which is sent to you by email before your are able to download the newest versions of ZAP. If you do not receive a code by email you will have to go through customer service.

4) The customer service seems not to be very responsive and it will require a great deal of time and patience to get any productive help out of them if you do need help. They would rather run you through a number of canned email responses before allowing you to access their "real people" help.

5) As with any software based program there is always a possibility that it can be "shut down" either accidently or due to faulty loading during the computer's startup phase. This would leave your computer vulnerable as if there were no firewall at all.

RECOMMENDATIONS:

1) Ask for the help of an experienced computer user for both the setup and the after-install configuration of the ZAP software. This is especially true for anyones computer on a LAN (local area network) where others require access to your computer from other computers on the same network.

2) Users of an "always on connection" to the internet such as broadband DSL or Cable should consider ALSO using one of the simple hardware based firewall routers using NAT (network address translation) such as the Linksys or NetGear brands along with the Zone Alarm Pro and Antivirus software.

3) Be very careful during the sign up and activation phase of installing ZAP 4 so that you actually do receive an activation code at your valid email address for new and future updates of the software. Users with anti-spam filters should be especially careful that ZAP 4 update activation key code email is not rejected by their filters on the email server.

4) If you have an always on broadband internet connection such as DSL or Cable OR if you are connected to a larger public or private LAN or a corporate computer network you should consider enabling ZAP's automatic internet lock feature which prevents any inbound or outbound network activity when you are away from the computer for an extended period of time.

CONCLUSION: When Zone Alarm Pro has its update activation code by email problems fixed and customer service becomes more helpful I will be happy to award it a perfect five out of five stars but for now it gets 4.9 stars from me (rounded up to five stars as displayed). Regardless of it having a few annoyances, as of right now Zone Alarm Pro 4.x is the best software firewall you can use on a Windows based PC.

Zone Alarm 4 after installation is not fully functional, you are running with a purposely crippled program. A large number of features do not work, including not being able to apply the updates for which you get messages of availability. Worst, the built-in link to support does not function, a real detriment for a new installation.

As a surprise, when finally finagling to reach support, you learn one must wait several days after registration to get the real registration from Broderbund. If you don't know of this "feature", you may spent hours to fix unfixable problems. Zone Alarm people have no access to help with registration. Of course the link to Broderbund they send, does not work! The following is an excerp from the 3rd support msg I received:

Important: This copy ships with an expired license key. ONLY after you register with Broderbund will you receive your personal license key, allowing you access to free upgrades and tech support for one year.
For customers that purchased the Broderbund boxed CD version, all license keys, purchase, and customer service issues are handled directly by Broderbund (we do not have license key information in our database at all). You can reach them through their Customer Support page at:

http://support.learningco.com/contact_cs.asp

I do not recommend either the download from web version or this boxed version.

Zone Alarm caused Windows XP Professional system errors (that caused my computer to memory dump and shutdown). The firewall and virus did not detect late June 2004 virus, which corrupted my computer. After extensive research on tech blog boards, I found that the software was the cause of my system failures / errors.

While not the only effective firewall and virus package out there, I personally found Norton easier to use and effective. I recommend free download of Stinger tool (do a web search on Google). I also do not recommend MacFee which the Sasser C & F virus did not detect - even with daily updates.

When all else fails, have the information nearby on how to reload your operating system (Dell has it on their site). In addition, keep latest worm removal tools on a memory stick or CDROM just in case your firewall does not catch the latest bug.

My first two virus invasions, I was able to use removal tools available free on the web. The last one (late June) I could only remove the invader by reformatting my memory stick and reinstalling my operating system.

If your system begins dragging, there is a good possibility that is has a virus! Be prepared.

I bought a 2nd copy of this program to use on my other computer. I received a crippled copy that required registration to receive a key by e-mail that would entitle me to 12 months of free updates and upgrades. I registered it when requested during installation and after a few days had NOT received the key. I e-mailed tech support and received a confused response telling me that I had to either register it with Broderbund or with Encore USA. I thought I had registered it with Broderbund but registered as well with Encore USA and have still NOT received a key from either Broderbund or Encore. When I tried to call Encore, I was kept on the line 15 long distance (NJ to CA) minutes without being able to connect with customer service. I finally hung up. I now have a crippled copy of ZA Pro 4 that I can't register and can't update or upgrade. Their customer service ISN'T. The product is good but it's worth nothing if registration is impossible thus making it impossible to update or upgrade.

I have Zone Alarm Pro 3 on a Windows 2000 Professional operating system, working in conjuntion with Norton Antivirus software and a router for added firewall. The Zone Alarm appears to work reasonably well and effective up to a point. However, it does not stop enough junk messages finding their way into ones e-mail, but still worthwhile.
The key point worth sharing here is that Broderbund provides no technical support in my experience. They "wave the flag" that they provide 1) Extremee Online Self-Help; 2) Responsive Email Tech Support; and 3) Committed Customer Service. I had a problem when my provider made a change and Zone Alarm would not work. I asked Zone Alarm, via e-mail, for troubleshooting assistance --- namely was there any attention actions other than un-installing and re-installing. I sent 3 differeent messages during a 30-day period, all linked to the same case #. The only response was a machine form-letter that they would respond within 1-2 days. BUT, they NEVER followed up. The only telephone number for contact is a sales/order office. They operate like a restuarant with no restroom. It may be a good product, but the lack of accessibility, and especially, NO FOLLOW-UP or technical assistance is unfortunately lousy.

I upgraded Zone Alarm repeatedly, up to and including Version 4.5.
It got worse and worse. The most infuriating problem is the endless,
repeated questions about allowing the same program to access the internet.

"Do you allow Outlook Express to access the net?" Eight times in one day,
even with the "remember this reply" enabled. Same thing next day.

"Do you allow Adsubtract 3.0 to access the net?" Eight times in one day and
repeated daily.

And others. All of them stupid repetitions for approval of the same thing.

It got so bad that I scrubbed Version 4.5 ($39.95 down the drain), and
reverted to Version 3.7. Same results. I deleted that and returned to
Version 3.1. Not as bad, but still stupidly asking the same questions.

Also of course, Zone Alarm shows unacceptable delays in responding to
commands such as Find.

Trouble is, McAfee has its own problems, such as an unacceptable delay in
everything, plus an occasional freezing of the mouse. Where to turn now?

BTW: I agree with another reviewer about the difficulty in deleting Zone
Alarm, even using their own Erase program. I had to go into the registry
and delete another 25 unwanted appearances of the program after using ZA's
Erase program. If I didn't, Zone Alarm refused to install an older version.
It insisted that Version 4.5 was still installed, even though I had
followed their own procedure to delete it.

Peter Vaughan

I Love Zone Alarm, for home systems. When I install an O.S., I immediately insatll Norton's Anti-virus & Zone Alarm, before connecting the computer to the internet. Then, as each application asks permission to use the connection to the internet, I either Accept or Decline the request. For a couple of days, this can be a bit annoying, and frustrates people who want to quickly show you something on the internet--but, overall this is a good thing. If you take a few days to Install, Update and configure Zone Alarm, on a home system, you Rarely find any Spyware or Adware in the system (unless you click the wrong buttons or download things you chould't from the internet). I have been *very* pleased with Zone Alarm--even if it frustrates my friends.

Personally, I would rather take a little extra time to Accept or Deny a program's access to the internet, than wasting all the time it takes to clean-up a system that is infested with Spyware, Adware, etc.

Sometimes, I must spend over an hour removing Spyware, Adware and restarting virus protection, remotely, on corporate systems (that are running McAffee and a dummed-down firewall).

One thing people need to realize is that A.V. protection is just ONE of the major requirements for running a Windows system. Currently, if you are not running A.V. protection, a Firewall (!!!), Microsoft Updates and "Spybot Search & Destroy" (or a similar Spyware / Adware removal tool that is well-tested), your system is destined for Doom.

A good combination, for great protection, is : "Norton Antivirus 2004 Professional," by Symantec & "Zone Alarm." However, if you do not do the Microsoft Updates, your system will be toast, regardless, and you can plan on a lot of O.S. re-installations.

I also recommend using a Router with a built-in firewall, in combination with Zone Alarm, but the average person needs at-least Zone Alarm.

"An ounce of Protection is worth a pound of Cure."

This is a good product for advanced users who want detailed control over what access to grant each application. The setup can be intimidating for novice users. Norton Personal Firewall is a better choice for casual users because the setup and use is much more automatic. ZoneAlarm gives those who want to tinker with the advanced settings easy access to do so.

One downside: the included "12 months of free updates" does not equal one year of updates. You get 11 full months plus the remainder of the current month. Therefore, if you register your product on the 28th of a month, you get 11 full months + 3 days of the current month. I imagine you could wait until the first of a month to register your product to ensure you receive twelve full months, but I did not figure out ZoneAlarm's definition of "twelve months" until after I registered.