|
|
|
A new look but few new features for the big-name security program
Zone Alarm has been around for several years, so its maker has seen fit to give it a makeover for 2012, although its features don't change much.
The new interface is simpler than before, with three large squares showing the status of the anti-virus, internet and identity protection modules. Clicking on one of these opens more detailed settings for that category – some items have simple on/off settings whereas others have links leading to more advanced settings.
Some features need separate installation or activation from within the program, such as the 2GB of online backup space, parental controls and identity protection. However, we discovered that this latter service is only available in the US, and it is very remiss of Zone Alarm not to make this clearer on its UK website.
Over here we do get the Identity Lock, though, which lets users prevent confidential items such as credit card numbers, passwords and email addresses being sent in emails or entered in web pages without their knowledge. The web browser virtualisation feature works well, and protects users from unseen malicious downloads by running the browser in a specially isolated environment so if you do pick up a virus it can't do any damage.
Data Lock, which sells for £25 on its own, is aimed mainly at laptop users, and encrypts the computer's entire hard disk so it can't be used if the notebook is lost or stolen. A separate login screen appears before Windows loads, and a separate recovery CD can be created for use should the PC not be able to start.
We couldn't get the integrated parental controls service to install on our test PC and Zone Alarm's technical support was unable to resolve the problem at the time of writing.
Overall, Zone Alarm Extreme Security 2012 does a decent job without too much fuss. Warning messages were sometimes a bit unclear, but more experienced users will have no problems and there are plenty of advanced settings available if needed. It is not demanding on resources either: it ran perfectly well on a low-powered notebook PC.
Read more reviews
Our verdict
Although the new interface is welcome, there are few new features, and UK users don't get the identity protection service
Drive encryption; protects personal information; low memory usage; simple interface
Identity protection service not available in UK; warnings can be unclear
Best price on the web
Make a profit from your unused gadgets
Run Windows and Ubuntu on the same computer
Hide private folders
Save up to 40% on the price
Exclusive subscriber website
Our price won't be beaten
|
|
|
|
|
Computeractive Excel (2010) Online tutorialPrice: £19.99 |
Computeractive Word (2010) Online TutorialPrice: £19.99 |
Computeractive Powerpoint (2010) Online TutorialPrice: £19.99 |
Angry BirdsPrice: £9.99 |
Back Issue CD-Rom 14 (2011)Price: £15.99 |
Zone Alarm Renewal
There support does not understand "My email address has changed & my credit card expiry date has change, how can I renew. They got my new email a year ago but have not done anything. I had ZA since before all their password mcguffin so cannot access my ac to change anything. There support eventually (30mins) eventually aske shall we change your email, said they had done it but had not. Although I think it is the best there support should be dismissed. There is a lot more.
Posted by Peter Raper, 16 Nov 2011
Zonealarm Slows My PC
On my PC the antivirus oomponent of Zonealarm Security slows down applications such as Photoshop and hogs memory
Posted by R Baker, 10 Feb 2012