ZoneAlarm

[Smirnoff]

I have downloaded the latest free version of ZoneAlarm (7.0.302.000).
It says it is by Check Point.
Looks different to the one I had before.
Just did a search for it and noticed it can be supplied by various sites
(Major geeks being one).
Why is a freeware program branded. Is it best to use the original from
ZoneLabs or doesn't it matter?

 

[R. McCarty]

Given a choice, it's always best to get the code directly from the
vendor. Most "Mirror" sites should be expected to post only the
original code - but you can't always verify that.

One validation is to Right Click the module and then the Digital
Signature (TAB) then click the Details box. Most all programs
today include a Digital Signature.

 

[Pegasus \(MVP\)]

I have downloaded the latest free version of ZoneAlarm (7.0.302.000).
It says it is by Check Point.
Looks different to the one I had before.
Just did a search for it and noticed it can be supplied by various sites
(Major geeks being one).
Why is a freeware program branded. Is it best to use the original from
ZoneLabs or doesn't it matter?

It's pure economics. The ZoneAlarm people don't write their
program because they love you - they write it because they
want to make money. Since they don't charge you for the
free version, they get some money from each of the sites where
you can download it from. The download sites in turn pay
something to ZA for each visitor because some of these
visitors might buy the wares they advertise rather than just
downloading ZA.

 

[Smirnoff]

Have just clicked the ZoneLabs site and Check Point site opened.
Maybe they have bought out ZoneLabs.

 

[Smirnoff]

It's pure economics. The ZoneAlarm people don't write their
program because they love you - they write it because they
want to make money. Since they don't charge you for the
free version, they get some money from each of the sites where
you can download it from. The download sites in turn pay
something to ZA for each visitor because some of these
visitors might buy the wares they advertise rather than just
downloading ZA.

I see, thanks.

 

[Wesley Vogel]

http://www.zonelabs.com/store/content/company/products/znalm/freeDownload.jsp

Maybe they have bought out ZoneLabs.

Check Point Software Completes Zone Labs Acquisition
REDWOOD CITY, Calif., - March 29, 2004
http://www.checkpoint.com/press/2004/zlaquisition032904.html

--
Hope this helps. Let us know.

Wes
MS-MVP Windows Shell/User

In

 

[...winston]

ZoneAlarm has been a 'Check Point Software Technologies' company for almost 3 yrs.
http://www.checkpoint.com/press/2004/zlaquisition032904.html
Its not branding from a download site, but the real thing.
You can search Google, if the above is not enough, for the Zone Alarm notice discussing the logo change etc..
..winston

:I have downloaded the latest free version of ZoneAlarm (7.0.302.000).
: It says it is by Check Point.
: Looks different to the one I had before.
: Just did a search for it and noticed it can be supplied by various sites
: (Major geeks being one).
: Why is a freeware program branded. Is it best to use the original from
: ZoneLabs or doesn't it matter?
:
:

 

[Smirnoff]

Realise that now.
Was surprised to see the Check Point icon at first.