ZoneAlarm Internet Security Suite 2009 Review

Overview:

ZoneAlarm is a long-term player in the field of spyware prevention and firewall security products. Their latest product is ZoneAlarm Internet Security Suite 2009, which combines the ZoneAlarm firewall and the Kaspersky anti-virus engine. The new product has received great acclaim among newly released computer security software programs and was bestowed with the awards from reviews websites.

ZoneAlarm Internet Security Suite 2009 offers high-end features and tools for anti-virus protection, spyware guarding, email and data privacy, instant messaging security and parental controls. Highlighted features of the software include an effective firewall, award-winning anti-virus protection from the new Kaspersky engine integration, identity theft prevention tools and an easy-to-use interface.

Ease of Use:

ZoneAlarm Internet Security Suite 2009 comes bundled with a configuration wizard that makes installation and operation easy as ABC. The wizard sets up the program in default settings, unless you specify otherwise. The software’s  user interface is easy to navigate, with clearly labeled menus and tabs to help recognize and use all the features and tools available within it.

Ease of Installation/Setup:

The software is very easy to install and configure as it has a setup wizard and takes just a few minutes to complete installation. The default configuration is used when installing with the wizard, because the program is geared towards general computer users. However, if you are an administrator or advanced user and need a customized installation, the option is available in the wizard.

Security Features:

Since early 2000, the ZoneAlarm firewall has become a standard for personal computer security products. The newly released ZoneAlarm Internet Security 2009 is an improved continuation of this excellence. Configuring the firewall is also a lot easier than before, with a helpful tutorial to learn the exact method of setting it up. The ZoneAlarm firewall is well known as a great security guard against existing threats and the constant new releases of internet-based malware. The firewall’s strength extends towards detecting and guarding against attacks on stealthed ports too. In comparison to most other firewall software, ZoneAlarm stands above its competitors.

The previous versions of ZoneAlarm Internet Security Suite were using the CA anti-virus engine, which wasn’t exactly up to par with its peers when compared. The new release has integrated the Kaspersky anti-virus scanning engine, thereby increasing its validity as a formidable opponent to attacks and threats. ZoneAlarm Internet Security Suite 2009 is now a primary runner in the anti-malware and e-threats software market.

The antispyware feature in ZoneAlarm is also of great interest to general users, because it includes a deep scanner and the OSFirewall. The spyware scanner is embedded in the ant-virus engine, while the OSFirewall is a feature that’s able to detect and destroy spyware in real-time. These features make ZoneAlarm Internet Security Suite 2009 a very valuable addition to your computer system.

The myVAULT feature is an important part of ZoneAlarm that has earned it a very good reputation. The special feature allows you to securely store your personal information and financial data and whenever a program or ActiveX control tries to access the data, myVAULT prevents it from doing so, unless authorized previously. Powerful parental controls and IM security for programs such as Yahoo Messenger, MSN Live and some uncommon IM software are also included.

Popup blockers, flash ad blockers, ActiveX control mediators and ad blockers are also available, which help with keeping your internet surfing experience hassle-free.

Performance:

ZoneAlarm Internet Security Suite 2009 is ranked just behind BitDefender Internet Security Suite 2009. Therefore, the software is well-recognized as one of the best anti-virus, anti-spyware and anti-malware programs available for the everyday internet user today. The award-winning ZoneAlarm firewall works efficiently and quickly to ensure all real-time attacks are kept at bay, while the integrated Kaspersky anti-virus engine performs speedy scans without noticeably slowing down the computer’s processing speed.

Help/Support:

ZoneAlarm Internet Security Suite 2009 is offered with excellent support services and help tutorials. Online FAQs, user forums, walk-through tutorials and email support come in handy for 95% of the problems associated with using the software. Telephone support is only available as a paid service and could cost you quite a lot. The product’s overall value would increase if a toll-free support line was established, but the support services are not entirely bad since most questions are answered through the online documentation and help services.