CyberGuru - Help Desk - How-to Guides - Using ZoneAlarm as your Firewall

Help Desk - How-to Guides - Using ZoneAlarm as your Firewall

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With security such a big issue in computers these days, it is essential that all computer users have installed on their computer a firewall to prevent hackers gaining unlawful entry into your computer.

ZoneAlarm is program that I recommend as a firewall for your computer. Although it is free, it is for personal use only and does not work on networks without purchasing. To use it on home networks, you can use the 15 day trial version of ZoneAlarm Pro. For this how-to guide, ZoneAlarm is discussed and not ZoneAlarm Pro, however most functions are the same.

Here's how to obtain it, install it and use ZoneAlarm!

Obtaining ZoneAlarm

	Download ZoneAlarm from one of the locations listed at http://www.zonelabs.com/store/content/company/products/znalm/freeDownload.jsp and follow the prompts to download the file via “Download FREE ZoneAlarm” which is under Zone Labs Downloads.
	Wait until the ZoneAlarm has finished downloading to your computer.
	When the file has been downloaded to your computer, run the file.

Installing ZoneAlarm

	After running the file, the ZoneAlarm Installation program will appear.
	You will be asked where to install ZoneAlarm. Leave the default directory as is and click Next.
	Following this, you will be asked for your user information. Type your name, company or organisation name (if applicable) and email address. Untick the boxes about registering and receiving important updates and news if you want to and then click Next.
	The licence agreement will then be displayed. Tick the box to accept this agreement if you do so, however if you do not you will not be able to install ZoneAlarm and then click Install.
	Setup will then install and configure ZoneAlarm.
	You will then be asked a few survey questions. Answer these as you wish and click Finish.
	When the box appears informing that setup is complete and whether you would like to start ZoneAlarm, click Yes.
	The Licence Wizard will then appear.
	When asked which version you would like to install of ZoneAlarm, choose Select ZoneAlarm and then click Next >.
	Click Finish > to complete this wizard.
	A Welcome screen will then appear. Click Next >.
	When asked for the type of protection you would like, choose “Don't alert me at all - protect my computer silently”. Click Finish.
	When asked if you would like ZoneAlarm to preconfigure access permission, choose Yes.
	When asked if you would like ZoneAlarm to prevent your eBay password from being sent to unauthorized sites, choose whichever option you like and enter your eBay details. Please note that you require an eBay account for this to work.
	Select the appropriate option if you would like to run through the ZoneAlarm tutorial or not. Click Finish.
	ZoneAlarm should now be protecting your computer.

Using ZoneAlarm

ZoneAlarm runs as a memory resident program and requires little further configuration on the user’s part, except for when rules and settings are being made to identify “secure” programs from “insecure” programs. These results are to ensure the firewall knows what is allowed and not allowed on the user’s internet connection.

Although annoying and somewhat difficult to understand at first, the best way to set up rules is to launch your favourite programs and create permanent rules for:

	Your Internet browser, such as Internet Explorer or Netscape.
	Your mail reader, such as Outlook or Outlook Express (don’t worry about Hotmail unless you are using a reader and not the browser to access your email).
	Your antivirus and antispyware programs, such as Norton AntiVirus and AdAware and their update programs.
	Your communications programs, such as MSN Messenger and Yahoo! Messenger.
	Any other websites you frequently access, such as internet banking websites and.

	As you open these programs, ZoneAlarm will alert you with boxes similar to this one above.
	Firstly, check to make sure the application is relates to the program you are using, in this case msmsgs.exe is MSN Messenger.
	Tick the box “Remember this answer the next time I use this program”.
	Click Yes to set up the rule.

With other programs you may be unsure with the rules, do not assume it is correct. Feel free to contact me if you are unsure if it is safe to accept or not or else browse the internet and look for the name of the program and do your own research.

This guide should get you started on track to setting up your own firewall. Should you require assistance along the way, please feel free to get in touch as depending on how you set up your firewall will be how secure you are.