Zone Alarm Internet Security 6.0

Hackers, spyware and viruses can’t escape this comprehensive package

Zone Alarm started life as a fairly conventional firewall program, designed to protect PCs from the threat of hackers over the Internet.

During the past few years, however, the spread of viruses has become an even bigger threat.

As a result, Zone Alarm has evolved into what is now the Zone Alarm Internet Security Suite 6.0 ­ a comprehensive package combining a firewall with anti-virus, anti-spyware capabilities and other security features.

The firewall is still the core of the suite. Now, as well as monitoring attempts to gain access to your computer through an Internet connection, the firewall will monitor each program installed on your PC to make sure running applications can’t be modified or interfered with ­ such as downloading some spyware onto your PC through a file-sharing program. It can also monitor your Windows Registry to prevent unwanted items being added.

The firewall works automatically most of the time, so you don’t need to be a technical expert to install and use it properly.

Installation is straightforward, marred only by an annoying registration process and customer survey request when you launch the program.

Once that’s done, the Configuration Wizard guides you through the suite’s main features, explaining options such as virus and spyware protection, the junk mail filter and pop-up blocker. You are then asked to specify a security level for your PC.

If you’re on a home or office network you can tell Zone Alarm that you’re in a Trusted Zone, in which case it will allow you to share files and printers with other users. If you’re in a less secure environment, you can limit network traffic to just the Internet Zone. This will allow you to connect to the Internet, but prevents other computer users from gaining access to your PC.

During testing we found that, if anything, Zone Alarm worked a little too well, as we kept seeing warnings flashing on screen whenever ordinary programs, such as games or messaging software, attempted to connect to the Internet. However, you can tell Zone Alarm which programs are trusted and should be allowed to continue.

For more precise control you can enter the Zone Alarm control panel, which provides additional settings, including those for the firewall, virus and spyware protection. Each set of controls is divided into basic and advanced sections.

The basic controls allow you to select predefined protection settings. Alternatively, you can create your own custom settings. Virus and spyware scans can be scheduled, spam filter settings modified and parental controls set. You can also block access to specific network ports on the PC. The basic settings are fine for most users.

The program performed well during our tests, picking up some worrying spyware that had escaped other security software.

There are a few omissions, though. The parental controls are limited and options such as the Smart Filtering aren’t explained particularly well. However, this aspect of the suite is secondary to its main purpose, which is to protect you from hackers, viruses and spyware.

On that score, Zone Alarm Internet Security Suite gets a thumbs up and, at just under £50, it provides a comprehensive set of security features at a competitive price.

Just remember that, like most anti-virus programs, you must renew your Zone Alarm licence after one year (£19.95 per year) in order to continue receiving the latest updates.

System requirements:

• 450MHz processor
• 64MB Ram
• 50MB hard disk
• Windows 98SE/2000/ME/XP