How to download, install, configure and update
Zone Alarm free edition
To download Zone Alarm, click here. Click on the Download button in the Zone Alarm Free column (see photo below) and save to a new file named ZONE ALARM in your Downloads folder.
If you don't know how to download, save, and install a program, go here.
This will download an installer. When the download is complete, navigate to the ZONE ALARM folder in your Downloads folder and double-click on the downloaded file to run it.
In the next screen, choose ZoneAlarm Free Firewall.
In the next screen, choose Download Only.
Then choose Browse, and save this file in your ZONE ALARM file.
After installing the program, be sure to choose the free version, not Pro. When the installation process is complete, you will be asked to restart your computer.
Configure Zone Alarm
Zone Alarm is easy to use, the program includes a tutorial.
The important thing to remember is, under Program Control,
Never allow ANY program to accept connections from the internet or act as a Server. Doing so leaves your computer vulnerable to hackers. If an alert comes up with any program wanting to
accept connections from the internet, or act as a server, check the box to
Remember This Setting and click on Deny.
After the program is installed, a box will come up asking if
you'd like to run a system scan. This is not necessary, Zone Alarm is a
great program, but they would like you to buy their products instead of using
the free version, so this scan will always find problems and offer you products to buy
to fix them.
Once in awhile, open Zone Alarm and check the Programs (Program Control, Programs
tab) and make certain that all of the items in both the server columns are blocked. If you see any item in the
Server column with a checkmark, click on it and choose
Block.
If you use Zone Alarm or any other firewall, you
need to disable the built-in Windows Firewall so that the two don't conflict and
create problems. Do this only if you have Zone Alarm or another
firewall installed. To disable the Windows Firewall:
1.
Go to Start, Control Panel.
2. Double Click on Windows
Firewall.
3. Choose the radio button Off.
Update Zone Alarm
Zone Alarm is configured to automatically check for updates. If an update is necessary, a popup will appear asking if you want to
Update Now or Remind me later. When you choose Update Now and click OK, you will be directed to a web page.
Follow the prompts to download the new version, save it to your ZONE ALARM File
and follow the download and installation instructions above.
Important: In order to save your
current firewall settings, click on Upgrade when given the choice between "Upgrade" and "Clean Install".
