ZONE ALARM

[SARGE]

Besides a few bells and whistles, anyone know the differences between the free download, the $19.95 version or the $39.95 pro version?

[mairving]

I think the difference in the $19.99 version and the free version is support, a manual and maybe a CD-ROM.

Here are some differences between the pro and free.

I found these facts at various places:

The Pro version offers the same protection against Internet hackers and viruses as the free personal version of ZoneAlarm does, but adds e-mail and security tools, along with a few other extras.

ZoneAlarm Pro lets advanced users tweak specific settings, such as the security level, giving them more control over how the product works.

By far the biggest difference between the two versions is in the Security area. Both have the same basic sliders that allow you to choose High, Medium, and Low firewall security levels for local network and Internet zones. Beyond those three basic security settings, the pro version includes a Customize button that lets you check off specific firewall rules. The choices, such as "Allow outgoing DHCP (UDP port 67)" and "Allow incoming IGMP," may look like gobbledygook to novices, but they offer valuable control for technophiles and networking professionals.

Full PC World article

Hope this helps, Sarge.

[SARGE]

Thanks. Now decision time but still using the free version. Guess my paranoia is taking me over...

http://www.zonelabs.com/services/support_leaktest.htm

[Edited by SARGE on 03-18-2001 at 01:06 AM]

[glc]

The only reason to pay for Pro is if you are sharing your Internet connection on a network. Free works just fine on a standalone machine, but you have to compromise security too much to get it working on a network.

[Floppyman]

I've been using Zone Alarm for some time and now and am quite happy with it. I don't think a firewall is Super Important if you're still on dialup (I am still), but since our computers at home our networked, it's probably better to use one.

[SARGE]

Although I've been using it for awhile, now that boys have networked their 2 and play alot of online games, I'm more concerned.

[res07tg2]

hey sarge


i upgraded to zone alarm pro the only difference i see is the amount of control u have u are able to customize the settings alot more also better email protection tools interface looks slightly differnt to not that it really matters

[reboot]

Free version: Splash screen.
$39.95 version: No splash screen.
Yah, it's got email scanning and such, but who needs it?

[Floppyman]

Doesn't the PRO version let you share your internet connection, kinda like ICS as well?

[res07tg2]

yes to both reboot and floppyman comments alas since i only have one computer on the interneet connection i didnt need to spend the money but to late now

[nightfishing]

Things may have changed w/ the free version, but when I upped the big differences were...

Much more control over apps priveledges (you can select individual ports to allow your apps access to)

email stuff (useless)

a few additional security features (block fragments etc).

As a privacy tool, the added goodies are worth the cash; but for basic protection the freebie should do you fine.