Having been a cheapskate and used the free firewall from zone alarm for over a year I decided to go out on a limb and actually pay for something and boy am I glad I did.

Before this I was running various spyware and anti-virus, now no need it does it all. For a while I kept my other programmes just to be safe but after scanning with this they never found a thing and are now gone, resigned to history.

at £25 I feel I have had a real bargain here before when I had been on line for long periods I found that my spyware tool would pick up sometimes dozens of spyware this doesn't happen with zone alarm as it constantly scans and removes the unwanted as it go`s.

having a new and powerful pc I wasn't worried about the constant scanning slowing me down but it actually uses very little cpu power anyway so it will run well even on slower pc`s.

Here's what you get fro your money
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Network and Program Firewall.

this delivers proactive firewall protection with multiple layers of security that stop inbound, outbound, and program attacks while remaining completely invisible to hackers.

Operating System Firewall.

This added security prevents hard to remove spyware such as root kits and kernel-level threats from getting on to your system and causing sometimes irreversible damage.

Antivirus

new engine anti-virus delivers the best possible virus protection with enhanced detection and removal capabilities. Hourly signature updates and faster detection to find and remove even the most recent and aggressive viruses.

Identity Theft Protection

as with the old zone alarm it will continue to protect your identity information on your pc but will also prevent identity theft over the Internet and even in the physical world.

Anti-Spyware

an even further improved detection and removal function performs deeper scans at every level and purge spyware from your PC.

Spy Site blocking

this tool simply blocks spyware at its primary source, ie spyware distribution websites.

Auto-Learn

this was a new tool to me and its new to zone alarm also. It allows hassle-free computer operation from the moment of installation by hiding unnecessary security alerts, thereby drastically reducing interruptions during the first two weeks as the product learns the programs you typically use. Automatically configures security settings, and rates threats according to level of potential damage they represent.

Privacy Protection

an old favourite this one basically a pop up blocker so you can browse in peace.

IM Protection

this is perhaps my favourite little tool of all, it protects your instant messages - even those sent between different services - so they can't be monitored.

Essential Email Security

does exactly what it says on the tin this one checks your email for unwanted add ons.

Wireless PC Protection

Automatically detects wireless networks and secures your PC from hackers and other Internet threats wherever you're connected - at home or on the road, how cool is that!!

Parental Control

Prevents children from viewing inappropriate content on Web sites.

Smart defence service

This clever tool Provides your PC with real-time security updates, improved response to breaking spyware threats, and new attack protection.

There is very little work involved in setting this up as most of it is done automatically, but for the more technical who like to tweak things a little there's plenty, plenty options available, for example you can switch the constant scanning off and just scan manually or you can set up which programmes take priority both on and off line. It really is a tool for the new age and my computer has never run so smoothly and had so little spyware under any other programme.

If this security suite has failed to impress you then you are beyond impressing I fear!

Give this one a try it will NOT let you down!!

Thanks for reading.

©2008 lynseyb