4. Overview of the "Lock" screen

Figure 3.

In this screen, we see the info related to the lock icon and the STOP button discussed earlier. This screen is divided in 2 sections. In section 1, we see status info related to Internet access (locked or unlocked) and about the automatic locking feature. Section 2 holds the configuration for automatic locking. While ZoneAlarm filters which programs that you use that are allowed to connect to the Internet or local network, there may be times that you want to block Internet access, either for good security consciousness or because you suspect that one of your trusted programs may be betraying you. When you lock ZoneAlarm, or if it is being locked automatically, your allowed programs will be denied Internet access until you unlock the access yourself (by clicking on the lock, you can manually lock it or unlock it). However, as we will see later, you can specify some programs to bypass the lock, in case you have a service that you cannot afford to disconnect, for example. Pushing the STOP button will effectively stop all traffic (as shown in Figure 3.1), even if it is allowed to bypass the lock.

Figure 3.1.

In Figure 3.2, we see an unlocked connection, with automatic locking enabled to start when the screen saver launches, and allowing pass-lock programs to bypass the lock. Selecting the other option, "High security, All Internet activity stopped", then simply locking the connection should do the trick, without having to resort to the STOP button (both buttons become equivalent under this configuration, and should be preferred if you intend to use the automatic lock feature). You can also choose to launch the automatic locking after a pre-determined number of minutes of inactivity instead on relying on the screen saver.

Figure 3.2.

This is not the more important part of ZoneAlarm, and I never had to play much with this section in real life situations. However, it is important to know about it, in case we need it one day. As for automatic locking, I'd say that this is left to the preferences of the users or admins. Personally, I don't use automatic locking and put more emphasis on having a secure configuration in the first place, so that I don't have to rely on the lock to protect me.

3. Overview of the "Alerts" screen

5. Overview of the "Security" screen

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