New, Improved, Free Downloads: ZoneAlarm 3.1, Palm Desktop 4.1 Get Firewall Protection and Personal Information Management Eric Grevstad
Thu 8/1/02 -- Who says there are no software bargains nowadays? Both Zone Labs Inc. and Palm Inc. have released updated versions of popular products -- the ZoneAlarm personal firewall and Palm Desktop information manager -- that are free for the download
The new ZoneAlarm 3.1 is the free-for-personal-and-nonprofit-use sibling of the more detailed and configurable "personal firewall purist" choice ZoneAlarm Plus ($40) and the ZoneAlarm Pro suite ($50) that adds pop-up ad blocking and personal information (cookie) security.
Compared to previous versions, 3.1 offers a more intuitive user interface -- with settings ranging from "set and forget" security to customizable settings for tech-savvy surfers -- and more information about and logging of alerts when the firewall blocks unauthorized inbound communication attempts or outbound signals from Trojan horses or spyware. It's a 3.4MB download.
As for Palm Desktop, the PDA company says you don't need to own one of its handhelds to try the improved address, appointment, and note manager, though of course it's optimized for smooth synchronization of data between a desktop and notebook and Palm OS handheld. In addition to an updated Win XP look and feel, the free version 4.1 (a 9.2MB download) adds a new expense module that lets users keep track of expense amounts, categories, dates, payment method, guests or attendees, and other info and export the data directly into Microsoft Excel, along with a currency-exchange calculator.
A flexible Launcher bar lets you view large or small icons and rearrange the order of program icons, while personalized settings permit custom alarm sounds and a choice of 15 color themes. A new Delete Duplicates add-in aids in searching, reviewing, and eliminating duplicate records, while an Auto-Save feature backs up data to the PC's hard disk at user-specified intervals.
