Rating: 
Summary: XP Users Beware!
Review: 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.
Rating: 
Summary: Good product
Review: I experienced similar problems as other folks who rated this product. The Broderbund company could improve thier customer service by implementing a toll free tech support line which would be free of charge for any person who could give proof of puchase (re: key number, etc.). I felt that I was virtually on my own to work out any kinks that I had, and I definitely had some. The ZAP4 folks have a tech support phone number, but have your credit card ready - HUH? This should be free of charge. After all, we buy thier product in good faith. They should honor my purchase of thier product in good faith by offering free tech support. I'm not a college grad - nor should I have to be. This product should be USER FRIENDLY, and simple enough for a high school dropout to install with confidence - not to mention computer beginners, housewives, etc. I finally solved my zap4 problem by simply uninstalling the program, and reinstalling it. The first time I installed it, it must have had a kink in the installation. Anyway, now it's up, and running, and my zap4 is working great! I really feel secure now. This product does exactly what it's suppose to do - protect my 'puter! Final analisis: Great product, not so great tech support.
Rating: 
Summary: Works but don't ask for customer service
Review: I have been using this product for 1yr and recently upgraded to the new version. I have had questions in the past about some problems, and had current issues. I find the technical support poor and lacking. responses are either lacking or extremely long to receive and don't solve the problem. I will most likly not purchase this product in the future..
Rating: 
Summary: Problem with CPU consumption
Review: I have been using Tiny Firewall before switching to ZoneAlarm about 18 months ago. While the daily use is quite simple, I missed some of the features of Tiny. However, the reason why I had to remove ZoneAlarm appeared about 2 months ago: when left alone over night, the CPU consumption of a process installed by ZoneAlarm called "vsmon" goes up to 100% (we are talking about a 2.4GHz system), blocking the usability (it is not a virus / trojan). The problem is experienced by several people on the web without a known fix from ZoneLabs at this point. Several people on the web also mentioned privacy / spyware concerns with ZoneAlarm. This I could not verify.
Rating: 
Summary: First Class Software
Review: I have been using ZoneAlarm products for several years now, and am very pleased with their performance and their Customer Support. No computer should operate in the "internet zone" without some kind of firewall or security protection. ZoneAlarm 4 is easy to download and configure, and to enable and disable if necessary to troubleshoot software problems or conflicts. There are clear, user friendly text instructions to help install and get the program up and running smoothly and quickly. The ad-blocking and privacy controls alone are worth the price of the software. Add to that the "trojan horse" and scripts protection and it is a very complete package. This package is a hackers nightmare!
Rating:
Summary: No Worries Mate.
Review: I have experienced no problems with Zone Alarm and have been a user for 3 years, on 3 different systems and two different versions of Zone Alarm. I browsed here to price check and was shocked by the problems experienced by another poster. Let me recommend purchasing Zone Alarm and also Roxio's GoBack to anyone reading, both great products. And also let me recommend to the previous poster getting another degree, maybe from an accredited University.
Rating:
Summary: Horrible Tech Support!
Review: I have had nothing but problems with this program on my Windows XP system. I am totally locked out of doing ANY internet work on my computer! Tech support is a joke and it takes days for someone to call you back (I'm not kidding; it took three work days the second time I faxed) . You can only send a fax to report a problem and then you have to wait for someone to call you back. If they call back and you miss the call, they do not leave a phone number or anything. Save your money and try Norton or McAfee.
Rating:
Summary: ZoneAlarm 4: Solid Protection, Banishes Banners & PopUps!
Review: I have installed Zone Alarm 4 on three computers using Windows XP and Windows 98SE. This means I purchased three copies and I am glad I did. I had Norton products on my machines, but after they refused to honor a rebate to which I was entitled, I left them completely. Having used Norton Personal Firewall, I would happily recommend Zone Alarm 4 as the better choice. Why? It installs easily, is quickly configured, bans all pop-ups and banner ads, and it gave me 371 days of upgrades for the first year. It integrates very well with the new McAfee Virusscan 8.0 No apparent conflicts. And for those experiencing problems with those pop-up boxes delivered by way of Windows Messenger (not the IM), note that Zone Alarm 4 has eliminated this problem entirely. Norton did NOT stop those awful Messenger intrusions. In my opinion Zone Alarm 4 provides more "vigilant" protection. You are protected from cookies and third-party intrusiveness, and once it has "learned" your applications, it allows smooth operation without sacrificing defense against hackers and personal files/information theft. Last year when I used Zone Alarm 3 I had some problems with the MSN Calendar. That problem has been resolved with Version 4. Also: for whatever reason, last year Broderbund (which provides the boxed version) would not give me a license key for a second copy, saying I needed to use a different e-mail address for the second copy. This year I used a different e-mail address for each installation, and things went smoothly. I recommend Zone Alarm Pro4 without reservation!
Rating:
Summary: Broderbund Tech Support
Review: 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.
Rating:
Summary: XP Users Beware!
Review: 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."
| 
