Windows ME / free firewall

Hi guys. I'm running an old HP desktop with Windows ME, that I've had about a year. It's still my first and only computer. I'd like to reformat it soon, just for general purposes. I haven't reformatted it since I got it, and I do have the factory disks, so I should have no problem there, but I have a couple of questions.
1) Since Microsoft no longer supports ME, will I still be able to download all of the patches that I have now?
2) I've used Zone Alarm free firewall since I got it and ZA still works, but no longer supports ME; will I be able to reinstall ZA free? If not, what options do I have for a free firewall?
All advice is greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

Yes reformatting will allow you to download the current patches that you have, Microsoft doesn't support new updates for Windows ME but the current patches still remain on the Windows Update site. Well if you search around on the internet for ZoneAlarm firewall, you could find a site with a old version allowing you to download and install it. However for downloading new definitions, I don't know if it would let you download them. But i would seriously recommend Windows XP it is alot easier. Also make sure that you download your drivers for your video card and sound card.

 

http://www.oldversion.com/program.php?n=zalarm
Old Versions Available of ZoneAlarm
ZoneAlarm 2.0 (1.5 MB)
ZoneAlarm 2.1 (1.7 MB)
ZoneAlarm 2.6 (2.8 MB)
ZoneAlarm 3.1 (3.5 MB)
ZoneAlarm 3.7 (3.7 MB)
ZoneAlarm 4.5.538.1 (4.8 MB)
ZoneAlarm 4.5.594.0 (4.8 MB)
ZoneAlarm 5.5.94.0 (6.8 MB)
ZoneAlarm 6.0.631.3 (8.9 MB)
ZoneAlarm 6.1.744.1 (10.0 MB)
ZoneAlarm 6.5.731.0 (13.0 MB)


http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/update/msupdate_keep_current.mspx
Tip: Find out how to keep earlier versions of Windows (Windows 2000, Windows ME, Windows 98, Windows 95, and Windows NT) and Office versions before Office 2000 up to date.
Try to put a little aside whenever you can so you can get yourself a newer computer and OS. You'd be surprised how much easier your computing experience wil be.

 

Wow that was PDQ! Thanks both Shotgun and Toni. Between you both that about covered all I needed. Thanks again.

 

Np, it's always good to help someone who needs it.