Hello. I’ve thought about switching to ZoneAlarm 9.2 Free, but I’ve heard every time you log in, it bugs you with an ad for the paid version? Also, does it automatically download or do you have to manually check for updates? Thank you.
If you’re decided, it’s up to you. In my opinion, there are better options.
I know it doesn’t score too well in Matousec but I don’t think that test is really relevant. It’s just simple, and it’s worked well for my stepdad for years. The forcefield thing it has also sounds nice. I don’t want to debate what the best firewall is, I’d just like to know if it nags you to buy a paid version, and if it auto updates.
I’ve tried the newest version of ZA Free, 9.3.014.000, it never nagged me.
When my free one year subscription of ZA Pro expires I will switch to ZA Free. 8)
The forcefield thing it has also sounds nice.
The forcefield thing is a type of sandbox, it’s not included with ZA’s free firewall.
The forcefield thing isn’t free. It’s not included with ZA Pro firewall either.
ZA makes a full range of security produts and many don’t know that.
You’re right; matousec’s tests are really flawed. Don’t trust them 
That’s weird it doesn’t come with Forcefield; my stepdad has a forcefield process running in task manager.
Actually, I guess I should ask; what firewall has good protection and is quiet. I like how PC Tools Firewall has some HIPS, but how am I supposed to know if I should allow such and such program after the binaries have changed? I just want a good, quiet firewall. Thank you.
I recommend ZoneAlarm. 8)
HIPS is difficult to be quiet. It’s a “noisy” protection tool ever.
Comodo could be silent without Defense+ (the HIPS component).
Online Armour will be a good alternative.
Outpost Firewall Free is a basic silent firewall.
ZoneAlarm is another solution for a quiet firewall.
I use it without installing the optional tool bar. It automatically updates, and I haven’t seen anything requesting me to upgrade.
Here’s a link to a recent CNET review:
http://download.cnet.com/ZoneAlarm-Free-Firewall/3000-10435_4-10039884.html
And one from PC Mag:
The lastest version of ZA Free is the best firewall that I can used. See my signature. In older versions I had to uninstall because it’s consumed enough resources. There is no any kind of ads. ZA Free is updated automatically.
+2
what are these better options Tech?
Listed in Tech’s Reply #9 above.
Like David said…
I think Comodo is the best one nowadays. It’s free and you can use Defense+ (HIPS) protection.
HIPS could annoy the user with questions. But you can set it in learn mode for a while, use the computer, and then start the safe mode.
thnx guys 
ZoneAlarm will bug you with requests for access too. Plus the access list fills up a lot now (without even asking). I forget what update it was but it was many months ago. Every program you open, task manager, calculator, desktop manager etc. get added to the access list with a blue ?. It’s kind of annoying I am a bit picky I hate the access list getting cluttered up. I don’t like X’ing out stuff I MAY use in the future either, kinda forced to now unless you clear it out every so often. I feel like it’s letting traffic through… but it’s not. It’s just annoying as manually setting permissions everytime. If you don’t check it for a while you may end up with a page and a half of blue question marks. Probably a better feature but it didn’t used to be like that. Wonder why I’m so picky about trivial things ha. It does the job though. Comodo sounds better.
You must have done a custom install, because mine analyzed my programs and decided which ones to automatically allow. I have only got one alert for HostsMan.
Also I don’t get a message telling me I should buy the pro version, and I don’t have a Forcefield process, so maybe my stepdad downloaded a Pro trial by mistake? Idk.
OH yeah I forgot to mention that part. I never get an ad for Pro using only free it just starts right on up every time I reboot. I do when I first install about facebook, ugh puke. Who cares about ZoneAlarm facebook :|. I may have done something in the “no don’t do anything for me” type of Advanced setup. They changed something though I’ll have to read into it. But… I’m pretty lazy Good point though I don’t think about it.