ZoneAlarm Pro Firewall Means Business

If you're worried about security for your small-office or home network (and you should be worried), look into ZoneAlarm Pro, an expanded version of Zone Labs' free basic ZoneAlarm software. To the simpler product's excellent protections against Internet hackers and viruses, ZoneAlarm Pro adds customization options and support for networked environments. It costs $40 for one PC, with volume discounts as the number of systems increases. I looked at a shipping version.

Basic ZoneAlarm is a robust firewall with a straightforward interface and panels where users of any level can configure the program. Pro adds buttons to give advanced users greater control over the inner workings of the firewall engine. Both work with Windows 9x, NT, 2000, and Me.

The biggest differences show up in the Security panel, where Pro lets you specify your network setup. The panel retains the basic version's sliders, so you can set your own security level: high, medium, or low. But Pro adds a Customize button for checking off exact firewall rules for each level; online help explains how to find the controls.

The Security panel also offers access to an expanded MailSafe utility, which scans e-mail attachments, quarantines potentially dangerous file types, and includes options for blocking 37 file types.

If you have a single computer at home, free ZoneAlarm is probably all you need. But if your home or small office is networked, $40 is reasonable for the powerful firewall protection of ZoneAlarm Pro.

SUMMARY

ZoneAlarm Pro PRO: Supports networks. CON: Little value-add for single PCs. VALUE: Good for tech-savvy users running smaller networks. List price: $40 for one PC, discounts for multiple systems. Zone Labs 800/201-5517 www.zonelabs.com