New in v7.1.x: Full Windows Vista compatibility, with Windows Filtering Platform (WFP) API support; new Anti-spam version; various minor enhancements and bug fixes; Release Notes - Last Updated: 06.18.07 (v7.1.078.000)
Upgrade Meter: 5
New in v7.0.x: All new look and feel, new anti-virus engine (provides significantly enhanced virus detection and removal capabilities with proactive behavior blocking), improved! Virus update system, improved anti-spyware protection, Auto-learn system that automatically configures security settings based on a user’s unique computer environment and behavior, program pre-scan feature, improved identity theft protection Web site, various other enhancements and bug fixes; Release Notes - Last Updated: 03.20.07 (v7.0.337.000)
Upgrade Meter: 4
New in v6.5.x: Gamer’s Mode (gives gamers one-click control to prevent firewall action from stealing focus away from game play while still maintaining firewall protection to the PC), Spy Site Blocking (blocks you from accessing Web sites that contain spyware and blocks spyware on your computer from contacting Web sites to exchange information), Operating System Firewall (monitors program installation, registry changes and file access down to the kernel level), improved Automatic Operation (better handling of signature database updates, scheduled scans, and stopping malicious spyware automatically). improved DefenseNet (an early warning system that gathers data on the latest spyware and malware outbreaks from the Zone Labs user community for inclusion in signature updates), various other enhancements and bug fixes; Release Notes - Last Updated: 11.08.06 (v6.5.737.000)
Upgrade Meter: 4
New in v6.x: Anti-spyware technology (for malware detection and prevention), Triple Action Firewall™ (Network firewall, operating system firewall, and program firewall) , enhanced antivirus functionality (quarantine and pause), automatic kill control (disables malicious programs); Release Notes - Last Updated: 03.28.06 (v6.1.744.001)
Upgrade Meter: 5
New in v5.5: New Network detection wizard, junk e-mail filtering (only in ZoneAlarm Security Suite), various minor enhancements and bug fixes for earlier releases (complete list here; Release Notes - Last Last Updated: 04.28.05 Upgrade Meter: 4
New in v5.0: Enhanced AlertAdvisor with automatic policy recommendation, Antivirus Monitoring, new alert viewer functionality; Release Notes Upgrade Meter: 5
New in v4.5: myVAULT with ID Lock (for keeping personal information completely private and secure), Hose File Lock, open process protection, TRUSTe Site verification, Zone Labs Secure Community, eBay online fraud protection, host file protection; Release Notes Upgrade Meter: 3
New in v4.0: Hacker Incident reporting, Cache Cleaner, Outbound MailSafe, automatic VPN configuration, Expert Panel, Backup and Restore; Release Notes Upgrade Meter: 5
New in v3.7: New 3-step network configuration wizard, enhanced security protection, improved PrivacyAdvisor, improved Web site exception list, improved AlertAdvisor; Notes Upgrade Meter: 4
New in v3.1: Various minor enhancements and bug fixes for v3.0 Upgrade Meter: 2
New in v3.0: Completely redesigned interface, privacy protection (with cookie control, ad blocking and mobile code control), professional logging (with IP address mapping and additional information), component protection, various other enhancements Upgrade Meter: 5
New in v2.6.362: Support for AOL 7 browser, improved Windows XP support, other enhancements for improved operation, various bug fixes; Release Notes Upgrade Meter: 2
New in v2.6: Alert Advice, improved Application Control component, Getting Started Tutorial for explaining controls and alerts, enhanced Intrusion Blocking; Release Notes Upgrade Meter: 4
New in v2.1.25: ZoneAlarm MailSafe (e-mail attachment protection with detection support for Visual Basic script attachments like LoveLetter and NewLove), security vulnerability with DHCP and BOOTP (port 67 scans) fixed; bug fixes; Release Notes Upgrade Meter: 5
New in v2.1.10: Alert logging capabilities (visual alerts combined with log to text file) Upgrade Meter: 4
Pros: Freeware for personal use, a superior five-pronged line of defense, easy to use
Cons: Requires more input and configuration than BlackICE, reports less attack info
