ZoneAlarm free anti-virus update.

[reznor12]

I have ZoneAlarm free firewall, they are now offering a update that includes a anti-virus. Do you guys think its any good? I use windows defender atm, and run a malwarebytes scan once a week.

 

regards

 

Rez

[Jelly Bean]

Hey Rez,Zone alarm is good.

 

But look here for FREE AV software,why pay when you can get a very good one for free.

 

AntiVirus Software

 

JB.

[reznor12]

It is free, its their new free firewall & antivirus pack. It's a fairly new option, so i am can't much non-biased opinions on the av side of it. Thanks for your opinion.

[Jelly Bean]

I dont use Zone Alarm myself but I hear good things about it.I am sure one of the Security guys can tell you a lot more than I can.

 

Im sure one or two will be on here a little later and can advise you...

[KenB]

Windows Defender is a free program that helps you stay productive by protecting your computer against pop-ups, slow performance and security threats caused by spyware and other potentially unwanted software.

 

It is not an AntiVirus.

Take a look at MS Essentials.

[Starbuck]

I've never tried this product so can only go by what i've read.

As ZoneAlarm are actually using the Kaspersky Anti Virus in their product, it should be quite effective.

I can only see a paid for version in my searches though.

Maybe they are offering this upgrade if you use the paid for version of ZoneAlarm Firewall.

It can be downloaded as 'shareware' ..... so you may find that you may just get a trial version.

Edited May 9, 2012 by Starbuck

[reznor12]

I meant MS Essentials, i was getting muddled up. As for the zonealarm, go onto http://www.zonealarm.com/ and its on the front page. Ty for the info on it using kaspersky. How do you recon that compares to MS essentials, i shouldnt think the difference would be much, but i feel its always best to ask if not sure.

 

Regards

 

Rez

[wellies]

It certainly seems to be free by looking at the page linked to. About the only disadvantage the free version might have is the frequency of signature auto-updates. Every 24 hours is perhaps not enough these days, although you can always update manually at any time. Other free AV programs auto-update more frequently than that. ZA's paid versions auto-update every hour.

 

http://www.zonealarm.com/security/en-us/zonealarm-free-antivirus-firewall.htm

 

The Kaspersky engine is a good feature. Kaspersky is always near or at the top the detection rate tables wherever you look, so that should make the ZoneAlarm program good, apart from maybe the auto-update frequency.