shoestring, I am not sure why you are discussing the "one month free" ZoneAlarm Pro version. There is no need to use that one. The freeware version works just fine.
Closing ports is not required. It can adversely impact your ability to share files with other people, play games head to head, etc.
I have the freeware version of Zone Alarm. Gibsons "test" on my machine produced the following "findings":
Your system has achieved a perfect "TruStealth" rating. Not a single packet — solicited or otherwise — was received from your system as a result of our security probing tests. Your system ignored and refused to reply to repeated Pings (ICMP Echo Requests). From the standpoint of the passing probes of any hacker, this machine does not exist on the Internet. Some questionable personal security systems expose their users by attempting to "counter-probe the prober", thus revealing themselves. But your system wisely remained silent in every way. Very nice.
But I knew that already. Similar tests from other sites have told me the same thing.
No port "closing" was done, no additional effort required. Simple download and install of the free Zone Alarm, and my PC is secured, no "yearly fees" at all.
Now, I am going to go take an aspirin and try to forget the headache I get from desciphering your posts...
|