UPDATE 11.15.12: ZoneAlarm products are now Windows 8 compatible. Go to the Free Downloads page on the ZoneAlarm website for the latest version.
The long awaited Windows 8, which Microsoft expects to make available on October 26, will offer a few major enhancements – one of them being a new look and feel. The new default Tiles (what used to be called Metro) interface will show and perform like a mobile application. This might be a welcome change for Tablet PC users and good news for apps that are built for them – but not so much for more traditional computer users. Thankfully, laptop and PC users out there who find that they’re missing the old Start Menu will also be able to access the de-facto Windows desktop.
Another big change is that Windows 8 includes beefed-up free Internet security. The new version of the Windows Operating System will come bundled with an enhanced version of Windows Defender, which is basically Microsoft Security Essentials — the same free security suite featuring free antivirus and firewall protection that Windows 7 users could download and install. It’s just now re-branded as Windows Defender, offering more than the Windows 7 version of the software by the same name, which was only an antispyware/antimalware solution.
With the new Windows Defender, Windows 8 is definitely a step up when it comes to strengthening the security of the Windows operating system. But does it really offer enough protection to counter all sorts of attacks across the web? Many security experts say not quite.
While the security features bundled in Windows 8 include an active inbound firewall that is on by default, the Operating System’s outbound firewall is turned off by default. Windows 8 users can enable this outbound firewall protection – only to be overwhelmed with constant alerts. For these reasons, it’s just not as powerful or easy-to-use as inbound and outbound firewall technologies that work silently and synergistically together. Minimum security requires antivirus and a two-way firewall that combines inbound and outbound protection – one that works silently in the background to both stop Internet attacks at the front door and catch thieves on the way out.
Another issue to consider is whether or not relying on the same software vendor for all PC functions — including security — is really the safest route. Our experts advocate a multi-tiered approach – one that includes antivirus and firewall from a third-party software vendor who specifically has a history of driving security innovation. This will ensure that you are protected against all the latest threats and hackers that might find vulnerabilities in your system. In fact, the Independent IT-Security Institute, AV-Test.org, found that some third-party solutions were much stronger than Microsoft’s security features when it came to protection against 0-day malware, including web and email attacks.
Finally, the good news is that ZoneAlarm will be offering Windows 8 compatible versions of all its security products, including ZoneAlarm Free Antivirus + Firewall. You’ll want to disable Windows Defender before installing any ZoneAlarm or other third-party products — otherwise conflicts may occur.
Be sure to stay tuned-in to our blog for more information about ZoneAlarm for Windows 8. You can also follow us on Facebook to get the latest and greatest information about ZoneAlarm products and Internet threats & attacks.
Sadly, Win8 will be one of the biggest flops yet, probably ruining Microsoft
One can only hope
B.I.H. M$.
Running Windows 8 right now. No not the beta the full thing. Yeah there is a new front face with tiles but you can still open the classic desktop with all the icons and notifications. The start menu is gone but really I never used that a whole lot. In the both right hand corners you can search for programs and files which is much faster then searching through the start menu. Don’t know we people are fascinated with wasting time in the start menu.
One more thing, Zone Alarm 10.2.074.000 has problems updating and also when right clicking the notification icon you can’t click “Show Monitor” or “Scan Now”
If you’re trying to run ZoneAlarm on Windows 8, that may be the reason why. We will have Windows 8-compatible versions of ZoneAlarm soon enough.
Windows 8 in my opinion is not needed as it to STERILE and has all Win 7 Facilities. The & on Win.7 is a very good Number and Win 7 has every thing you need and is a Fantastic OS and easy and a Great Pleasure to use. Win XP was great but Win 7 has turned XP into a better OS. Win.& is here to stay and WILL be around for a very long time exceeding XP`s existence. The only Software Win 7 needs is the Touch screen facility. Not sure if it has been added. Will have to search to find out. Win 8 was designed to fool customers into buying a new OS for $1K + to increase Microsoft`s Monetary Coffers.
Microsoft, Thanks for Win.7 THE BEST OS yet from your Stables.
I’m sticking with W7 for now. Experience has shown that Microsoft’s new OS’s are never as good as the final versions of their predecessors.
Nice to see that ZA knows W8 has been released, but I need AV on my laptop now. What does ZA have available TODAY?
So far the two main changes is the START button is gone and W8 uses your Microsoft login for your Account. Otherwise nothing is horribly different.
The install (upgrade) was easy. So far all my programs, with the exception of ZA, work (without having to reinstall them).
Will my two year registration code key from my recent purchase of Zone Alarm for Windows 7 work with my Windows 8? My two pc are running Windows 8 Pro now and Zone Alarm is slow coming out of the traps with this release… As a trusting customer I’m a bit disappointed, I keep checking in daily for the new software, seems to me it should have been ready long ago. Just sayin’…
Hi Kenny,
Yes, your license key from your recent purchase of ZoneAlarm for Windows 7 will work for Windows 8. We should be releasing our Windows 8-compatible products very soon!
How about licenses purchased for XP? I bought a two year license last year when Zone Alarm was on sale. Can I use this for Windows 8?
Eddie. Our ZoneAlarm build 11.0 is Windows 8 compatible. You can get version 11.0 at this page: http://www.zonealarm.com/security/en-us/anti-virus-spyware-free-download.htm . On your Windows 8 computer download and install version 11.0 of whichever ZoneAlarm product you are running, then enter in the license key you’ve received when you purchased ZoneAlarm for your XP computer.
People.. what are you on about?
Has anyone not noticed the smashing new features in Windows 8..?
(a) Super fast boot up and shutdown (due to hybrid boot)
(b) Free streaming music (Xbox music)
(c) Multi touch mouse support
(d) Increased battery life of laptops due to better process management
(e) Superb themes and lock screen customization with PIN (like on your smartphone)
(f) Refresh your Windows 8 without resorting to reinstall
and more……
I am not a fan-boy in fact I installed Windows 8 on my MacBook Pro and its great.
Zone Alarm Extreme Security Beta for Windows 8 will not work correctly. Waiting for the public version, because the beta version terribly slows down the system and it really does not work.
We do not have Window 8 beta for ZoneAlarm Extreme Security; we only have it for ZoneAlarm Free Antivirus + Firewall. We will release Windows 8-compatible products for all products soon!
See my post below.
Forgot to hit “Reply” to make it part of Pem’s post.
There is a Beta for Extreme Security:
https://www.zonealarm.com/security/en/beta-center.htm
(NOTE: You may need to be logged in to follow the above link.)
On the 29th of October the update stated that “our Windows 8 compatible versions will be available next week”. It is now the 12th of November and there is still no sign of an update to the paid for suites. I use Extreme Security and tried to install Windows 8 but received a warning that ZA was not compatible with Win 8 and was left with the choice of installing Win 8 and removing ZA or waiting for ZA to update. On reading the above article I opted for the latter but am beginning to get frustrated with the dealy. Can anyone tell us exactly when the new versions will be released?
Our ZoneAlarm products are now Windows 8 compatible. We should be sending out a notification soon, but you can always go to our website to download the latest version. Since you’re running ZoneAlarm Extreme Security, please go to http://www.zonealarm.com/security/en-us/trial-download-zaxs.htm
It’s also easier for us to respond to you if you send us a private message on our Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/zonealarmfirewall
Thanks!
I have Windows 8 Pro, paid subscription for ZA starting September good for 2 years on 3 pc extreme suite. After six attempts of installing the Windows 8 ready ZA released 11/09 I found that my registration key is refused, this is installing and uninstalled with boot and reboot 6 times, now I learned it’s a 32 bit version, when most pc, and mine, are 64 bit today. No matter what I do my registration key is refused copy/paste from original sale invoice. I’ve tried rebooting again after install used my original email address, no go! Noting too there is no functioning ForceField since Windows Vista that I can tell. There is no email support, no phone support, nobody at the chat window after loading all the info… How do I get my registration key to work, it’s good for two years? I even tried buying a fresh version and it was a Windows 7 download, the new key didn’t even work and I had to contact PayPal for full refund of today’s purchase. How do I get my key to work right?
This a blog, so support is unlikely available here.
Go to the support site and you most likely will find steps to fix your problem.
You may need to use one of the uninstall programs to completely remove ALL of the information for ZA. You might have an old Reg Key that is causing the problem.
Also, you may have 3 PCs already registered to the key and need to have one removed.
The Support is not always immediate, but you will get help there; you will need to be patient.
I bought a new key today even though I had a 2 year active subscription, it just cost me more money, it’s working all right now. Also linked to ZA Facebook where I found helpful support.
Purchased windows 8 today installed it and because I had version 10 not 11 of zonealarm I have no virus checker| I have been on to support but still on hope. can anyone help?
Please upgrade to version 11 here: http://www.zonealarm.com/security/en-us/anti-virus-spyware-free-download.htm
1) Find the product you are running on the link above
2) Download and install (no need to uninstall your version 10.X ZoneAlarm product.
Upgraded to W8 about a month ago. It´s a really nice piece of work that MS has brought out.
I have windows 8 now, and when I bought my laptop, it came with 60 days of free nortons virus protecter. it expires in 4 days. do I need to download another virus protecter with windows 8 after the nortons expires. or am I still going to be protected?
You should always run a two-way firewall AND antivirus on your PC. When your Norton expires you will no longer be protected, as what came with your PC is only trial version. Be sure to uninstall Norton and reboot before installing ZoneAlarm on your PC.
I have windows 8, I downloaded and installed the latest version and it made the computer crawl, freeze and I had to do a restore and quickly there after set the administrator password. Not realising it was Zone alarm, I disabled the windows security and downloaded and reinstalled again, again the same issues, the same problems and 6 hours later I now have the computer back to where I started from, shame really, the only advice I can give is to wait for another version although I do feel that it would be responsible of Zone Alarm to make it clear that the current version of Zone Alarm can conflict fataly with windows 8
Please make sure you have uninstalled any pre-installed security products from your PC before attempting to install ZoneAlarm. Rule of thumb is to only have ONE antivirus and ONE firewall one ON machine. The latest version of ZoneAlarm IS Windows 8 compatible.
windows 8 sux, the interface looks like its been made for newbies and amateurs, kinda like a kids jigsaw puzzle. Its become so hard to to reconfigure windows and tweek settings, Microsoft (MS) and turn off the unwanted services, even become impossible to turn some of it off. They renamed some services and processes so us experts have to relearn what the new terms mean. I guess we were so good at our job, they didn’t like the idea we could hide ourselves and our browsing habits from them. Xp is way better.