ZoneAlarm Pro

Just about every security suite offers a firewall (even Windows XP and Vista offer limited control), but if you want to monitor and contain anything that goes in and out of your PC, then ZoneAlarm’s firewall remains the best solution. ZoneAlarm Pro is for security mavens who want the power to open and close ports easily, make their systems invisible to hackers, and make exceptions for select programs. New identity-theft tools monitor where your personal information is flowing off your PC, and a great Game Mode lets you play online without triggering a thousand alarms. For people on a budget, ZoneAlarm also offers a free version of the product that erects a basic but effective firewall. You may have to contend with a few more alerts than you like, but ZoneAlarm is still our favorite after all these years.