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Get the Latest Version

Even if you already have ZoneAlarm, make sure you have the latest version. Version 2.1 and later include some key features, such as a little doodad called MailSafe that prevents malicious e-mail attachments (like the "ILove You" virus) from messing with your PC. The latest version of ZoneAlarm is available for download from FileWorld:

Download ZoneAlarm from FileWorld.

Once the file is fully downloaded, run the setup program to install your firewall. The first dialog box you'll see asks for your name, company name, and e-mail address. I know, I know: Registering a product is like reading a manual--nobody wants to do it. Well, don't be a goof. Make sure you do register, and put something in each field--even if it's none in the company field. Give Zone Labs a real e-mail address (the company says it won't share it with any outside party). That way, Zone Labs can keep you informed of updates and strategies that may help you to prevent future attacks. That's an arrangement that makes sense.

To a certain extent, that's all you need to do. After you've installed ZoneAlarm, it runs whenever you start up Windows. It goes into action every time you connect to the Internet, and it protects your system the whole time, appearing as a small square icon in your taskbar's system tray, next to the clock.

ZoneAlarm also checks for any updates to itself--a feature you can turn off if you wish, although we wouldn't recommend that. To change this or any basic configuration element, including your e-mail address for registration, double-click ZoneAlarm's tray icon and click the Configure button. Find the item you want to change, and click its box to add or remove its check mark.

Make it obvious. If you like, you can make ZoneAlarm really stand out. Right-click a blank space on the taskbar, select Toolbars, and then click to add a check mark next to ZoneAlarm Desk Band.