Free Zone Alarm

To who ever can help....
Hi there, a "computer expert" said with the free zone alarm you can use it for a network instead of useing zone alarm pro. In my house there is two (2) computers, and i was woundering if the free zone alarm can be used for a network. thanks for your time....

 

Not sure what you mean???
do you mean...one copy of zone alarm for both computers??
not sure about that...
just install it on both computers..

or if you are using one computer as a gateway..it might work.

but I use a router/firewall (hardware) and then zone alarm free on each computer....

 

Yes, thats what i mean im useing one as a gateway.... and how would i get a router/firewall ?

 

router/firewall is a unit use to network computers. Routers have built in firewalls that , through us of Netword Address Translation, basicly will not let anyone connect to your PCs unless your expecting them too <ie MSN is connecting to net, so router is open on what ever port MSN is using for that connecting>
they range in prices and quality but are handy if you are establishing a home network

 

oh ok thx so they cost....
but im still woundering if the free zone alarm still can be used if you have a gateway....

 

yes it can
Zone alarm moniters incoming packets to see if they are welcome on system.
So you can install it on each system and as you sue it you will set up rules. IE: MSN can access net, Kazaa Lite can act as a server etc etc.

 

Thx for that... Also that reminds me what does it mean by
Access and server plz? thx for yor help

 

Server means outside applications can connect to it and access means inside applications can connect outside...

 

Like if you were to transfer a file in MSN, ZoneAlarm would ask if MSN is allowed to act as a server so that you can transfer the file. Other applications, including MSN, will be blocked by ZoneAlarm when they try to access the internet and then ZoneAlarm will ask you if it's okay if the program can go through or not. G.T. mentioned this before, but you'd be surprised at how many applications ask for internet access that really have no business or need for it.

 

This is from the Help file in the Program Control, Programs tab (amazing how much you can find in the Help file of an app!):

Access permission
Access permission allows a program on your computer to initiate communications with another computer. This is distinct from server permission, which allows a program to "listen" for connection requests from other computers. You can give a program access permission for the Trusted Zone, the Internet Zone, or both.

Several common applications may need access permission to operate normally. For example, your browser needs access permission in order to contact your ISP's servers. Your e-mail client (for example, MS Outlook) needs access permission in order to send or receive e-mail.

The following basic options are available for each program:

Allow the program to connect to computers in the Internet Zone / Trusted Zone

Block the program from accessing computers in the Internet Zone / Trusted Zone

Ask whether the program should have access permission (show Repeat Program alert)
*********

Server permission
Server permission allows a program on your computer to "listen" for connection requests from other computers, in effect giving those computers the power to initiate communications with yours. This is distinct from access permission, which allows a program to initiate a communications session with another computer.

Several common types of applications, such as chat programs, e-mail clients, and Internet Call Waiting programs, may need server permission to operate properly. Grant server permission only to programs you're sure you trust, and that require it in order to work.

If possible, avoid granting a program server permission for the Internet Zone. If you need to accept incoming connections from only a small number of machines, add those machines to the Trusted Zone, and then allow the program server permission for the Trusted Zone only.

The following basic options are available for each program

Allow the program to listen for connection requests

Block the program from listening for connection requests

Ask me whether to allow the program to listen for connection requests (show Server Program alert)
***********

 

ok i think i have it now.... thx for your time guy's