Antispyware Updates
December 21, 2010
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If you're looking for something with a little more power in your antispyware, Zone Alarm Pro 2009 is the antispyware, firewall combo that combines the best of both worlds. Zone Alarm has a long history of innovative and powerful firewalls to keep the bad guys out. Combine that with an equally potent antispyware and you've got some serious protection.

Zone Alarm Pro 2009 even includes some decent email scanning, identity theft protection, and even a WiFi monitor. Not bad for an antispyware application. Zone Alarm Pro 2009 even incorporates your current antivirus software without any conflicts.

Antispyware Summary

• Solid anti-spyware
• Great personal firewall
• Real-time protection
• Good network and program firewalls
• Good identity theft protection
• Adware protection
• Decent email scanning

Zone Alarm Pro 2009's Antispyware Protection in a Nutshell

The antispyware/firewall combo installs easily and starts scanning right away for spyware, malware, and adware. The interface is easy to use and easy to navigate.



Independent testing showed Zone Alarm Pro 2009's antispyware function toppled even the nastiest spyware. Zone Alarm Pro 2009 was able to remove virtually all traces of spyware and adware (which some anti-spyware applications don't even tackle) with ease. For straight antispyware protection, Zone Alarm Pro 2009 really does get the job done.

The Firewalls

Not only has Zone Alarm Pro 2009 included a personal firewall, but they've also included a network and program firewall as well. These firewalls protect the outer shell of your PC as well as the kernel-level functions for superb security.

Zone Alarm has been the leader in firewall protection for years now, so it's no wonder they've included a triple punch when fighting spyware. Their already great antispyware is now backed up by triple-level firewalls. Once your system has been scanned for spyware, and all traces removed, it's hard for any future spyware, malware, or adware to get through.

The email scanning quarantines any suspicious files going in or out of your PC. Independent tests showed an average rating for Zone Alarm Pro 2009.

Zone Alarm antispyware has included a nice touch this year called myVault. It's a separate vault where personal information can be stored and protected specifically by Zone Alarm Pro 2009. This ads a second layer of protection against hackers trying to steal sensitive information like bank account numbers, credit cards, and passwords: they all get locked away in a tight vault only accessible to you.

IM and WiFi protection also scored high at preventing spyware and other malware to enter through these typically insecure ports. Independent testing showed that Zone Alarm Pro 2009 blocked virtually all spyware and trojans trying to enter through instant messaging and wireless ports.

On top of all that, you also get a pop-up blocker, and a cookie cleaner. Not bad.



Antispyware Features

• Personal, Network, and Program Firewalls
• Anti-Spyware
• Total ID Theft Protection
• Root & Boot Protection
• Wireless PC Protection
• Privacy Protection
• SmartDefense Service
• New interface
• Game Mode
• Free Upgrades & Online Customer Support for 12 months

Does Zone Alarm Pro 2009 Fall Short Anywhere?

Not really. However, while there isn't much configuration to do once installed, some of the firewall settings can get a little confusing if you're not used to a firewall. This antispyware/firewall combo has made all efforts to keep it simple, but there is always room for user interface improvements.

This antispyware is typically fast and scans with lightning speed. But the firewall can slow things down a bit as it scans for possible incoming and outgoing spyware. But that's normal.

Support

Zone Alarm has a great antispyware product, but their support still needs some work. The usual FAQ, knowledge base and forums are there, but you will need to pay for phone support. And it can get expensive if you need extended support. But if you're not a "phone support person," no worries, Zone Alarm Pro Antispyware still doesn't need much support to begin with.

Conclusion

If you're looking for more than just an anti-spyware, Zone Alarm Pro 2009 is certainly it this year. Even if you already have an antivirus application, Zone Alarm Pro 2009 easily integrates with your current antivirus with no hard feelings.

If you just need a great antispyware and already have the firewall covered, we highly recommend our number 1 choice this year instead: Spy Doctor with Antivirus 6.

Regardless, Zone Alarm Pro 2009 is a powerful combination of antispyware and personal firewall all rolled into one. Keep the bad guys off your PC. Keep spyware away for good.

System Requirements

Vista (32-bit):

• Pentium III 800 MHz or higher
• Minimum system RAM: 512 MB
• 50MB of available hard disk space. Internet access.

Windows XP Operating System:

• Pentium III 450 MHz or higher
• XP Service Packs 2 and 3
• Minimum system RAM: 128 MB
• 50MB of available hard disk space. Internet access.

Supported Protocols for Email Protection

• POP3 (Incoming only)
• SMTP (Outgoing only)

Support Browsers

• Internet Explorer 5.5, 6.0 SP1, 6.0 SP2 7.0 SP2
• Netscape Navigator 7.2, 8.0 Beta
• FireFox 1.00 and higher
• MSN Explorer 6.0 and higher
• AOL 9.0