Manage updates with the Download AppZoneAlarm Internet Security 5.5
Manufacturer: Encore Software, Inc. Part number: 32088
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- ZoneAlarm Security Suite puts Norton Internet Security and McAfee Internet Security to shame with its easy-to-use features.
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CNET editors' review
ZoneAlarm Internet Security 5.5 price range: $9.98
- Reviewed by: Barry Brenesal
- Edited by: Robert Vamosi
- Reviewed on: 01/19/2005
- Released on: 11/01/2004
The good: Extremely easy-to-understand interface; includes antivirus, firewall, and antispam apps; excellent built-in help; doesn't slow Web access; great selection of security tools.
The bad: No printed manual; expensive live phone support.
The bottom line: ZoneAlarm Security Suite puts Norton Internet Security and McAfee Internet Security to shame with its easy-to-use features.
User reviews
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BYE, NORTON, YOU HOG !!!!
by CHARLES MAYER on May 31, 2005
Pros: FAST, EFFECTIVE & "LEAN"
Cons: NONE TO ( YET ) REPORT
Summary: AS IS THE CASE WITH MANY...I HAVE BEEN A NORTON USER FOR YEARS.
IT SEEMS, HOWEVER, THAT "THEY" ARE LIVING OFF THEIR FORMER REPUTATION. I HAVE INSTALLED Z/A ...Summary: AS IS THE CASE WITH MANY...I HAVE BEEN A NORTON USER FOR YEARS.
IT SEEMS, HOWEVER, THAT "THEY" ARE LIVING OFF THEIR FORMER REPUTATION. I HAVE INSTALLED Z/A AND HAVE FOUND IT TO BE VERY USER-FRIENDLY, COMPREHENSIVE, MUCH QUICKER IN THE ANTI-VIRUS SCANS AND MUCH LEANER IN SYSTEM STARTUP/SHUTDOWN AND RESOURCE CONSUMPTION.
BYE NORTON...BOTH YOUR PRICE AND CONSUMPTION GOT TO ME !!Updated
AFTER HAVING USED THE Z/A FOR AWHILE NOW, I CAN SAY THAT I AM AS PLEASED AS THE DAY I INSTALLED IT, PERHAPS MORE. HAVE COME TO APPRECIATE THE ABILITY TO ( VIRUS ) SCAN THE SAME AMOUNT OF FILES THAT I DID WITH NORTON, IN LESS THAN HALF THE TIME. ALSO, A PLEASURE TO SEE THAT LITTLE ICON SHOWING, IN THE TRAY, THAT THIS SYSTEM IS WORKING. TWICE, NORTON, WOOSIED OUT ON ME, HAD NO IDEA UNTIL RECEIVING NOTIFICATION FROM THE WINDOWS FIREWALL POP UP THAT I DIDN'T HAVE A FUNCTIONING FIREWALL.16 out of 18 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Be prepared to tweak alot
by lonestar4me on June 10, 2005
Pros: Does what it supposed to do & easy install
Cons: Needs alot of tweaking for Outlook and HTML mail
Summary: I used ZoneAlarm and ZoneAlarm Pro for years, and then decided to try the 14 trial of ZA Internet Security when my Norton virus subscription expired. Everything worked fine until ...
Summary: I used ZoneAlarm and ZoneAlarm Pro for years, and then decided to try the 14 trial of ZA Internet Security when my Norton virus subscription expired. Everything worked fine until June 9 when just about every ZA user experienced crashes. See their user forum for details.
So I uninstalled it and downloaded the 30 day trial of PC-cillin Internet Security.
Both are fine programs and appear to protect as advertised. However, I experienced several occasions when I had to tweak ZoneAlarm in order to make it work with Outlook, Yahoo mail, and Hotmail. At least there's the user forum where you can go to find answers.
However, so far I've had to do nothing to make PC-cillin work. Bottom line, I recommend PC-cillin over Zone Alarm unless you like tweaking.7 out of 8 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Like having a guard dog at the door...
by Moon_fbi on April 22, 2005
Pros: Stop hackers, viruses, worms, pop-up ads and more
Cons: Phone support is not free
Summary: I bought Zone Alarm security suite to replace "PC-cillin Internet Security 2005". PC-cillin Internet Security’s anti-virus protection is among the best however, as a firewall, PC-cillin has limited customization. ...
Summary: I bought Zone Alarm security suite to replace "PC-cillin Internet Security 2005". PC-cillin Internet Security’s anti-virus protection is among the best however, as a firewall, PC-cillin has limited customization. ZoneAlarm Internet Security 5.5 provides the best firewall and a reliable virus protection. Rather than build its own antivirus software, Zone Labs licensed Computer Associates' Vet Antivirus engine, also used in eTrust EZ Antivirus.
Unlike Norton and Mcafee Suites, ZASS is not a system resource hog. I hardly notice if it is running.
ZoneAlarm Internet Security Scuite 5.5 is a nearly comprehensive solution that does a good job protecting your system while connected to the internet. It is fast and has a very small footprint in memory, and is very light on resources.It has a good balance of power, speed and price.6 out of 6 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Works fine, no problems so far.
by DrMicro on May 12, 2005
Pros: Nice Integrated package, excellent firewall and spam filter. Easy to install and manage.
Cons: None significant. Performance of AntiVirus segment still under evaluation (no infection so far)
Summary: I have used Zone-Alarm's firewall for years and consider it one of the best software-based consumer-level firewalls available. Several of my clients have used Norton Internet Security and McAfee'...
Summary: I have used Zone-Alarm's firewall for years and consider it one of the best software-based consumer-level firewalls available. Several of my clients have used Norton Internet Security and McAfee's Internet Security with varying degrees of satisfaction. I have found the Norton and McAfee products to be memory and resource hogs. One client with the McAfee product had all of his email blocked by McAfee's Spam filter, even though he followed McAfee's instructions to the letter (which I confirmed). When I had an opportunity to build a new XP machine (on cable broadband), I chose Zone-Alarm to give it a try.
Now, after just over a month of daily use, I have to say that it has performed admirably. The installation was straightforward and easy to follow. The spam filter works great with Outlook Express, making a separate folder where it puts all suspected spam for user review (you can then decide whethere it's really spam or not and add it to the allowed sender list).
The firewall portion works just as well as their stand-alone product and we have had no problems going to standard sites in normal, everyday surfing. Nor have we observed any problems with other installed programs when automatically or manually checking for updates. If you've been a user of Zone-Alarm firewall for any period of time, you'll have no problem understanding how to manage this program either.
As far as memory and resource usage, I have found ZoneAlarm Internet Security to have minimal load on the system. Naturally, this will increase temporarily during program update or virus scanning, but this is normal, expected, and no different than any other anti-virus program I have used. I read all the user comments posted up to now and I can't duplicate or confirm the problems some of the reviewers reported. Since we are on broadband, the comment regarding the autodialer may be valid, but I can't help but wonder if the user tried to adjust their connection preferences (ie, always dial, dial whenever a network connection is not present, never dial) in Internet Explorer or not.
As far as the efficiency of the Antivirus portion of the program, I cannot speak to that other than to say we have had no infection or infected alert so far. I did run several scans using other antivirus scanners just to confirm this.
For those that may be concerned about whether ZoneAlarm's antivirus may be as effective as other antivirus programs, but like the other features, I might suggest running a second antivirus program in addition. I have run as many as three AV programs on a single PC with no interoperability problems.
In short, so far, I like this program very much. When combined with a good Anti-Spyware program (I strongly recommend Counter Spy, from Sunbelt Software), a modicum of common sense & safe surfing habits, and possibly a popup blocker (Google Toolbar is pretty good, and free) most users should be able to keep their computers free of bugs.Updated
It should be noted that my user review was on a new, clean-build XP Home machine with plenty of RAM (1Gb) and a fast processor (Athlon XP+ 3200).
When I have an opportunity, I'll also test this program in a more real-world situation, such as a machine that has been in operation for some time already, possibly already infected with spyware, slower processor and less RAM, and perhaps a less-speedy internet connection. I'll keep you posted when that opportunity arises.5 out of 5 users found this user opinion helpful.
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One-stop security software
by lmogan on March 21, 2005
Pros: Complete virus and Internet protection
Cons: Currently none
Summary:
Updated
It has very bad customer service. Never reply to customers enquires.Summary:
Updated
It has very bad customer service. Never reply to customers enquires.5 out of 6 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Sell the product, charge for support when it crashes!
by michaelel on November 29, 2005
Pros: Works great for some people.
Cons: Crashed computer, cannot remove all components.
Summary: I've used ZA free program for years and loved it. Figured it was time to show my appreciation with dollars, so bought it, full price, for 2 different computers. ...
Summary: I've used ZA free program for years and loved it. Figured it was time to show my appreciation with dollars, so bought it, full price, for 2 different computers. Worked fine on one. Crashed the other repeatedly, then ZL charges me for support and cannot fix it. Last suggestion was to reinstall operating system. Tech support sucks, and that's the only value of a company.
Micahel2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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The recent Suite upgrade trashed our CPU.
by LarrySpears on August 2, 2005
Pros: Worked well until upgrade.
Cons: The spyware scan caused disasterous, unrepairable crash.
Summary: ZoneAlarm knows the most recent upgrade (8/05) causes serious problems for Windows 98 users, and has not posted a warning. As of five days later, it has found no ...
Summary: ZoneAlarm knows the most recent upgrade (8/05) causes serious problems for Windows 98 users, and has not posted a warning. As of five days later, it has found no solution. I tried the spyware scan on 7/29/04. Immediately had total crash. Got Windows 98 going again, but still no internet as of 8/2/05. ZoneAlarm is not publicizing this.
4 out of 7 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Best security suite out there...Period.
by emachines15 on July 14, 2005
Pros: all in one virus protection, firewall, email scanning, popup blocker, IM encrypting+++
Cons: You need to do some configuration to use Gmail
Summary: This product is flawless...anti-identity theft, popup blocker, firewall, you name it, this has it. You can even track the geographical location of a computer that attempts getting past your ...
Summary: This product is flawless...anti-identity theft, popup blocker, firewall, you name it, this has it. You can even track the geographical location of a computer that attempts getting past your firewall. The only reason I give it a 9 is that in some (extremley few) cases (I.e. Gmail) you need to give some more privlages is you have to high a level of security (like allowing 3'rd party cookies)
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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User-friendly, stable with XP SP2, not a system hog
by SouthernGeek on June 26, 2005
Pros: Lean, efficient, customizable, crisp automatic updates
Cons: logs could be more detailed
Summary: I'm another "ZA convert": Like several of the other reviewers here, I too started with Norton Antivirus (NAV) -- it came with the computer running Win XP Pro SP1. ...
Summary: I'm another "ZA convert": Like several of the other reviewers here, I too started with Norton Antivirus (NAV) -- it came with the computer running Win XP Pro SP1. Then came SP2, I upgraded to SP2 and NAV 2005 but NAV2005 kept causing Windows to crash and caused some major system conflicts when running the "scan on access" option.
I went online and saw a lot written up about NAV being a major system resources hog, so I decided to give the Zone Alarm Security Suite a try (my Zone Alarm Pro firewall was coming due for renewal, perfect timimg).
ZA's virus scanner is much more lean & efficient. I run the "scan on access" option and it doesn't slow down the system at all -- even when multitasking with database programming and multimedia apps. The virus scanner goes through the files much faster than NAV 2005 did. Less than half the time. The ZA virus scanner also doesn't hog resources, and the computer doesn't slow down while contunuing to work. There have also been no conflicts at all with SP2 -- ZA was ready for SP2 but it looks like NAV wasn't.
Yes, my ZA also crashed on June 9 -- a case of "quick, unplug the network cord" -- If this crash was really as widespread as the other reviewer here made me think, then ZA should have sent out an email explanation to all its subscribers.
The only minor gripe I have is that I wish there were an option to set a virus database update to coincide with the automatic virus scans. If my antivirus kicks in say Monday morning but the last automatic update ran on Friday, I end up stopping the scan, running update to catch any updates, in order to run scan for viruses based on the _latest_ knowledge base. It would be handy if this could be set. It would be nice to have more detail in the log files.
Overall, ZA is an excellent product, and I recommend it over the others because ZA seems the most efficient in its use of system resources. ZA is intuitive to set up, it allows for any preferred security levels, and the help documentation has a lot of depth to it.
As security companions, I also recommend PestPatrol to get rid of spy/malware and WindowWasher to keep the computer cleaned off.1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Good performance except with IM Secure.
by soc_wrkr on May 27, 2005
Pros: Excellent firewall, no problemes while using. General ease of use. Does not slow my PC down.
Cons: Issue with IM Secure working with supposedly supported AOL IM version.
Summary: I was a MacAfee (spelling?) user until I bought my notebook PC. MacAfee came as bundled software but didn't work... Why bundle software that didn't work?! I did ...
Summary: I was a MacAfee (spelling?) user until I bought my notebook PC. MacAfee came as bundled software but didn't work... Why bundle software that didn't work?! I did have the "wonderful" waste of operationg system known as Windows ME at that time (what was MS thinking?!). I bought Norton Antivirus and loved it. I used it for years. Then I discovered the free ZoneAlarm firewall software. Soon after I used the free ZoneAlarm firewall software I upgraged to ZoneAlarm Pro and had Norton Antivirus running. My PC start up time was HORRID. It took at least 3 to 5 minutes for start up and that was with minimal app's set to start up with PC start up and no to minimal desk top icons. I finally got rid of Norton Antivirus and my PC actually starts up much quicker than before. ***Note -- I was running Norton 2004 I had no major problems except I had to wait forever for my PC to start up and Norton had issues with System Restore after I upgraded to Win XP.***
Over all I'd say that my experience with ZoneAlarm is and has been great. I do have an issue with the fact that the AOL messenger that is supposedly compatible with IM Secure is not protected nor is the Antivirus for Email working. I'm thinking this is because I had Norton installed at the same time installed ZoneAlarm. Sent Email to customer service regarding the IM Secure issue, if I was holding my breath while waiting of a response I would have been dead a long time ago (assuming that I didn't pass out and automatically start breathing). I am still waiting for a response to my Email. I even sent a pic of the dialog box that ZoneAlarm Pro Suite showed me when I discovered the issue.
Over all I would say that ZoneAlarm is definitely worth the money. I highly recommend!1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Encore Software, Inc.
- Part number: 32088
- Description: The cyberworld is crawling with reasons to be serious about online security. Hackers, data thieves, viruses and other Internet threats work every day to make your private information their own or wreck havoc with your computer. Now you can stop virtually any online threat in its tracks with the all-in-one protection of ZoneAlarm Security Suite.
General
- Packaged Quantity 1
- Category Security applications
- Subcategory Security - security suite
- License pricing Standard
Software
- License Type Complete package
- License Qty 1 user
- License Pricing Standard
- Platform Windows
- Distribution Media CD-ROM
- Package Type Retail
System Requirements
- OS Required Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional,
Microsoft Windows Millennium Edition,
Microsoft Windows XP,
Microsoft Windows 98 Second Edition - Min Processor Type 233 MHz,
233 MHz,
233 MHz,
233 MHz - Peripheral / Interface Devices CD-ROM,
Internet connection - System Requirements Details Microsoft Windows 98 Second Edition - Pentium - RAM 48 MB - HD 20 MB,
Microsoft Windows Millennium Edition - Pentium - RAM 48 MB - HD 20 MB,
Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional - Pentium - RAM 64 MB - HD 20 MB,
Microsoft Windows XP - Pentium - RAM 128 MB - HD 20 MB
Manufacturer info
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Encore Software, Inc. products on Shopper.com
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- Manufacturer:Encore Software, Inc.
- Address:
5420 W. 83rd St.
Los Angeles, CA 90045
