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| Program Title - ZoneLabs Pro Software type - bought software (cut down freeware version) Publisher - ZoneLabs Download - ZoneLabs then follow 'download' links Cost - free or $49.95 for Pro inc. 1 yr updates ($19.95) Function - Firewall, configurable, with content filtering Version (reviewed) - 3.025 Scores - utility  -
ease of use -
manuals/help  |
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My Review (I am not a reviewer - Its just one personal view)
It is difficult for me to compare this to other Firewalls, since I have never had any reason to suspect that this firewall is failing me, consequently it remains the only firewall I have ever had. However, I am aware that many people believe a firewall has some mystical power to render them watertight, and this is quite wrong. A firewall allows you to tell what programs are using legitimate system calls to the Internet, and to regulate them. But also to identify all input traffic except that to a receiver operating outside legitimate control. OK so what does that mean? Firstly you are expected to allow programs permission to operate, and you will almost certainly allow your browser full access. Consequently, your main Internet client is now effectively outside the firewall. So just what security you have is a moot question, and completely down to software other than your firewall. It will however effectively stop externally initiated calls that hackers may use to get into your machine especially if you are clear of any Trojans they might be hoping to trigger. The true security comes with your scanner software that is watching your data traffic. Anti virus, anti Trojan, code and script blockers, etc. a firewall is part of a secure system, only a part. The new ad blocking and privacy controls are repeats of those I already have in AdSubtract Pro, and since AdSubtract Pro has far superior configurability, scanning, and logging, I have them switched off in zonelabs. Windows XP has a firewall etc. but the problem with standard software is that abusers soon find 'standard' avoidance measures. I have noted several ad server programs are embedding tracker cookies in Java script, so that they can impose them even though you have selected 'don't accept cookies' in your browser. Now how gentlemanly is that? The action of the firewall is to identify the program that is trying to move data through the modem. Having done this, it asks you to allow or disallow it, and wether your answer covers that program in the future. Within the control panel you can change any prior permissions, which I do at intervals if I feel unguarded or a bit tight! I like to feel I'm secure from hacking, and with ZoneLabs, I generally do. But as regards stuff from dodgy sites, I don't believe a firewall makes more than a token difference, and the false sense of security could just make you a sitting target. |
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Updated: 26 October 2002 . . . Checked: 10 June 2002 |