Roger Chang demonstrates how this free firewall keeps hackers out of your PC.

Hackers have a variety of programs to poke and prod any computer connected to the Internet. Most users are unaware of any attempts to gain access to their systems until it's too late. Today Roger shows a solution that stops Internet intruders.

ZoneAlarm is free for personal use and is a must-have for the growing community of "always-on" Internet users.

This great piece of software provides excellent security and flexibility while remaining easy to use. It monitors and tracks all incoming and outgoing Internet traffic, blocking access when necessary.

How ZoneAlarm works
  • ZoneAlarm provides firewall protection from outside intrusions along with an Application Control feature that can intercept any rogue outbound traffic, such as information stolen by a Trojan horse or "spyware" attack.

  • The Internet Lock feature blocks all Internet traffic while the computer is unattended or idle. Users can instruct ZoneAlarm to allow certain applications, such as email, to bypass the lock feature.

    For DSL and cable modem users this locking feature can control who may use the Internet connection.


Configure ZoneAlarm
The first time you launch ZoneAlarm, you'll be walked through a simple installation and setup wizard that will determine how you'll use the program. The questions it asks are based on the type of connection you specify.
  • Do you want ZoneAlarm to notify you when it blocks Internet traffic or do you want it to protect in silence? If you're easily annoyed by pop-ups, choose to be protected in silence. You will still be asked to verify programs.

  • Do you want ZoneAlarm to configure your browser's security settings right away or the first time you launch your browser? It's safe for most users to do this right away. Advanced users will want to customize access and server permissions. Most novice users should stay away from the Advanced options.


Now that you're finished with setup, you can customize even more settings. Here's what you can do in each part of the interface.

  • Overview
    Quickly view how much traffic ZoneAlarm has blocked, which programs have attempted to go online, and how many email attachments are quarantined.
    • Go to the Product Info tab to get version, licensing, and registration information as well as product updates and help.

    • The Preferences tab contains ZoneAlarm's display properties, lets you decide how to communicate with Zone Labs, and determines how you want to check for updates.


  • Firewall
    Firewall settings are broken into two categories: Internet Zone Security and Trusted Zone Security.
    • The Internet Zone Security option includes all computers on the Web. Putting this setting on Low turns off your firewall protection. Medium is recommended for limited Internet use. Other users can see your computer but can't share its resources. High is recommended for always-on Internet users.

    • Trusted Zone Security lets you share files with other "trusted" users. Low turns off the firewall. Medium lets you share files. High hides your machine and keeps it operating under hackers' radar.

    • Use the Advanced button to tweak your security settings by blocking specific types of incoming and outgoing traffic.

    • Go to the Zones tab to add computers to your Trusted Zone.


  • Program control
    It's recommended that you keep Program Control on the Medium setting so that each program requests permission to access the Net. Here's how to use the other options in this field. You can also access the Program Wizard if you want to change any of the original options you chose during setup.

    • Automatic Lock shuts off Internet access after a period of inactivity. Press the Custom button to specify what amount of time determines "inactivity" or choose to have it activate when the screen saver comes on. You can also determine if you want to block all Internet traffic or grant permission to pass-lock programs.

    • Go to the Programs tab and left-click one of the symbols next to a program's name to change its access: Allow, Block, or Ask.


  • Alerts and logs
    Say whether or not you want to get alert pop-up messages for things that are not programs. The Log Viewer lets you look over all the alerts you've received.

  • Email protection
    Turn MailSafe on and off. This feature spots questionable email attachments that may contain viruses and puts them in quarantine. In general, keep it on.


It's easy to minimize ZoneAlarm's screen. If you want to turn off the program for any reason, right-click the icon in your system tray and choose Shutdown ZoneAlarm.

ZoneAlarm is also available in a Pro version. It gives you even more control over network and privacy settings. Read TechTV Lab's review of ZoneAlarm Pro 3 here.

Download ZoneAlarm now