Zone Alarm - Replacement?

Discussion in 'other anti-malware software' started by CustomHVAC, Nov 25, 2009.

Thread Status:
Not open for further replies.
  1. CustomHVAC

    CustomHVAC Registered Member

    Joined:
    Mar 10, 2007
    Posts:
    57
    My Zone Alarm Internet Security Suite will be expiring soon & I was hoping to go freeware, any ideas on a comparable freeware combo?

    I kinda liked Z.A's control of programs features (can block internet access, Block mail, trusted access, etc.) With or without that feature I guess I'll need a firewall, anti-spy / anti-virus & anything else Z.A.I.S.S. Kept me safe from.

    I read some good posts regarding each individual program, I'm just not sure how many different programs I'll need & do they play nice together (that was the nice part about Zone Alarm, packaged together / no conflicts)

    Any help or ideas would be greatly appreciated.
    Thanks!
     
  2. jmonge

    jmonge Registered Member

    Joined:
    Mar 20, 2008
    Posts:
    13,744
    Location:
    Canada
    comodo internet security:thumb: is free:) and it is good:thumb:
     
  3. wtsinnc

    wtsinnc Registered Member

    Joined:
    Oct 3, 2008
    Posts:
    943
    If you are set on going freeware, I suggest Avast 5 (beta) free antivirus and Online Armors' free firewall.
    Also try Avira Personal (free) antivirus and the free firewalls from Comodo and PC Tools. Obviously, there are many other choices, but those are my preferred AVs and FWs.

    Also consider adding a supplemental HIPS; I like WinPatrol free.

    You should also play around with the free antispyware applications from Malwarebytes, Superantispyware, and A-Squared.
    -Also- give the free version of Prevx an audition.

    Finally, consider (if you haven't already) sandboxing your web browser, a rollback application such as Comodos' Time Machine (still in beta but working perfectly for me), and for that final klevel of protection in case all else fails, employing a backup solution such as Macrium Reflect (freeware).
     
    Last edited: Nov 25, 2009
  4. jmonge

    jmonge Registered Member

    Joined:
    Mar 20, 2008
    Posts:
    13,744
    Location:
    Canada
    this is a good idea like 12 firewall programs to get protection for the whole year;) but the only thing that some softwares that loves to leave alot of debris behind so has to clean your registry and files for junks:)
     
  5. CustomHVAC

    CustomHVAC Registered Member

    Joined:
    Mar 10, 2007
    Posts:
    57
    Sorry I didn't mention - I do use Returnil 2010 also, which I would like to keep (in conjunction with the replacements).

    Thanks
     
  6. Kees1958

    Kees1958 Registered Member

    Joined:
    Jul 8, 2006
    Posts:
    5,857
    What OS are you on? Do you use the AV of Returnil?
     
  7. nomarjr3

    nomarjr3 Registered Member

    Joined:
    Jul 31, 2007
    Posts:
    502
    What OS are you using?

    The built-in FW of Windows 7 is more than sufficient.

    For Windows XP/Vista, I would recommend any of these firewalls:
    Outpost Firewall
    Online-Armor Firewall
    PCTools Firewall PLUS
    Comodo Internet Security
     
  8. firzen771

    firzen771 Registered Member

    Joined:
    Oct 29, 2007
    Posts:
    4,815
    Location:
    Canada
    i say Outpost or PC Tools.
     
  9. icr

    icr Registered Member

    Joined:
    Sep 6, 2008
    Posts:
    1,589
    Location:
    UK
    Well I give my vote for Avast! 5. Its is still in BETA (beta 3) but will soon be releasing.
    Has a refreshed and nice GUI
    Very Light and easy to use.

    For firewall I would suggest OA free which also has HIPS.
    I used OA free and Avast! 4.8 was a very good combination.
     
  10. hamzah95

    hamzah95 Registered Member

    Joined:
    Jun 22, 2009
    Posts:
    108
    Avast 5 for the AV.
    Either Online Armor, PC Tools firewall, or Comodo's Firewall.
     
  11. Chuck57

    Chuck57 Registered Member

    Joined:
    Sep 2, 2002
    Posts:
    1,770
    Location:
    New Mexico, USA
    I know this concerns freeware. None of what I use is freeware. I use defensewall, shadowdefender and on this laptop have McAfee IS. I've thought about removing McAfee but it has caught the occasional malware. I'm always in shadow mode when online anyway.

    Being in Shadow Mode whenever I'm online, and with DW there, I don't much worry about any malware. It can't get through shadow defender and if it does, DW is there to render it useless.

    Layered defense is fine. ShadowDefender and DefenseWall are my layers, with McAfee there just in case a miracle happens and something gets through both of them.

    For freeware, I highly recommend any of the virtualization like programs and AVAST. Comodo firewall with D+ is excellent. So a good virtualization program, AVAST and Comodo firewall with D+ ought to be enough for the most risky surfing anyone would want to do.
     
    Last edited: Dec 1, 2009
  12. CustomHVAC

    CustomHVAC Registered Member

    Joined:
    Mar 10, 2007
    Posts:
    57
    Thanks for all the advice! I'll definitely try a few of them

    I was going to Back up my C:\ partition now (Paragon Drive Back Up Pro), then Uninstall ZA, then try each one of the suggestions & if I don't like the "new" defense set up I can just restore & try again.

    Hopefully that way no ill effects if I just end up keeping ZA Internet SS (it's tougher now they slashed the price of the IASS to $29 bucks)

    Just curious why aren't there too many zone alarm fans?
     
  13. CustomHVAC

    CustomHVAC Registered Member

    Joined:
    Mar 10, 2007
    Posts:
    57
    Win XP (sorry)
     
  14. Fajo

    Fajo Registered Member

    Joined:
    Jun 13, 2008
    Posts:
    1,814
    Keep in mind that ZoneAlarm uses Kaspersky AV Engine so it aint no slouch ether if you deiced to stay with it.
     
  15. deanmartin

    deanmartin Registered Member

    Joined:
    Sep 6, 2007
    Posts:
    232
    Location:
    USA/KY
    I see 24.95 on there site here. http://www.zonealarm.com/security/en-us/home.htm
     
  16. CustomHVAC

    CustomHVAC Registered Member

    Joined:
    Mar 10, 2007
    Posts:
    57
    oh, even lower.....see!

    I'm still gonna try a few others (freeware), before I decide.

    they also recently (few months ago) added a feature that opens downloads & runs them for you safely & lets you know if it's safe or not. I'm sure this is similar to others like sandboxie (& others), but the nice part was immediately after any download (lets say thru Firefox) a window popped up & said let me check that for you without any help from me (no drop & drag, or opening other programs, basically idiot proof).

    I wanna check other programs to see whats out there & because I see a lot you pros in here using OTHER PROGRAMS.

    Thanks again
     
  17. deanmartin

    deanmartin Registered Member

    Joined:
    Sep 6, 2007
    Posts:
    232
    Location:
    USA/KY
    Your welcome, Im no pro just learning each and every day.;)
     
  18. nomarjr3

    nomarjr3 Registered Member

    Joined:
    Jul 31, 2007
    Posts:
    502
    Are you considering payware or freeware?

    For paid firewalls, I highly recommend Outpost Firewall PRO.
    (Still keep the license key with me :up:)

    It's a bit pricey though... $50 for a lifetime license.
     
  19. tipo

    tipo Registered Member

    Joined:
    Dec 29, 2008
    Posts:
    440
    Location:
    romania
    if you used ZA and you were satisfied you should remain to it. ZA IS & ES are some great pieces of software...make an effort and buy another license... :thumb:
     
  20. fax

    fax Registered Member

    Joined:
    May 30, 2005
    Posts:
    3,899
    Location:
    localhost
    I have yet to find a firewall with the easy of use of ZA, I have tried many out there but I always come back to it... :)
     
  21. Fajo

    Fajo Registered Member

    Joined:
    Jun 13, 2008
    Posts:
    1,814
    Agreed.
     
  22. nomarjr3

    nomarjr3 Registered Member

    Joined:
    Jul 31, 2007
    Posts:
    502
    Is the latest ZA Free compatible with Windows 7?
     
  23. fax

    fax Registered Member

    Joined:
    May 30, 2005
    Posts:
    3,899
    Location:
    localhost
    Yes...

     
  24. nomarjr3

    nomarjr3 Registered Member

    Joined:
    Jul 31, 2007
    Posts:
    502
    Finally!

    Thanks for the heads up :)

    I'm gonna test it out on my Win7 workstation.


    EDIT:
    Nevermind...
    The Free version is still NOT compatible with Windows 7 :(
     
  25. fax

    fax Registered Member

    Joined:
    May 30, 2005
    Posts:
    3,899
    Location:
    localhost
    Working fine here, are sure you have downloaded the right version?
    Rename the file to "zlsetup.exe" and do not run from desktop but from a folder in your PC (there is a bug in windows 7 that will prevent it to run).

    Cheers,
    Fax
     
Thread Status:
Not open for further replies.
  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.