The bottom line: ZoneAlarm Firewall Free 9.2 has
gotten quieter and more effective, and should be considered an
excellent tool for replacing the adequate default Windows firewall with
a stronger option that includes better outbound protection,
antiphishing guards, and ZoneAlarm’s behavioral detection network.
The changes made to improve the default firewall in Windows 7 are
impressive, but the newest version of the free ZoneAlarm Firewall argues
that Microsoft still has a long way to go. ZoneAlarm 9.2 introduces
multiple new features to one of the world’s oldest computer security
programs including quieter outbound protection, behavioral detection
from the ZoneAlarm Internet security suite, automatic Wi-Fi security
setting activation, antiphishing protection, an overhauled ZoneAlarm
toolbar, and 2GB of online storage for free.
Installation
Program installation was largely a smooth experience, taking about 5
minutes. Users will have to reboot their computers after its done.
Prior users of ZoneAlarm’s paid security suites might encounter some
odd behavior if the uninstallation process of one of those programs
left remnants, but this should be the rare exception and not the rule.