I have Zone Alarm free version. I don't have mega issues but a couple of friends I help out have had issues with the free version and cable modems. The cable company says it is Zone Alarm, we uninstall and their issues go away. Prevents connections sometimes.
I was wondering if upgrading to Zone Alarm Pro is worth the time and money. Does it use more resources? Are there any anti-hacking upgrades that will prevent hackers from getting in versus the free version? Thanks

I had problems with Zone Alarm when XP first came out. Zone Alarm has fixed those issues, and I am now a satisfied user of Zone Alarm pro. I would not recommend anyone upgrade to the pro version, if they are having any free Zone Alarm problems. It has a stronger scanning for emails, privacy, ad and cookie control features than the free version does not have. I know that the technical support people for my cable company carry a cd of Zone Alarm with them to correct removal and other Zone Alarm problems they encounter. The free firewall I would recommend to you is Sygate, and then Kerio if you have an older computer that has system resource issues, or if you are a gamers that is fairly computer literate. It is a very comprehensive program, but it is rule based and you write the rules, so it is not as easy to use as Sygate. I have installed Sygate pro on my daughter's computer(super discount for users of Zone Alarm pro), and the free version of Sygate on at least 20 other friend's/family member's computers with no installation or user problems at all. Take care and all the best!

Zone Alarm = problems...I just don't see why so many people are still using it.

Just my opinion. :)

Kid,

Zone Alarm free version with Win Me - 1.5 years NO problems.

Zone Alarm Pro with XP Home for 8 months - NO problems.

I don't see why so many people have problems with it. Just my experience and 2 cents. :) (nothing personal)