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Setting Up a Firewall: ZoneAlarm Pro 5 for Windows - Advanced

Last updated August 14, 2009 11:36:09 AM PDT
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Learn how to use advanced settings for the ZoneAlarm Pro 5 Firewall to create exceptions for specific services.

In the right place? See basic setup instructions for initial configuration of ZoneAlarm Pro 5.

Note: Before starting, disable all firewalls on your machine, including the Windows XP Service Pack 2 firewall. Don't use Remote Desktop Connection (RDC) or a similar program to install firewall software. Directly connect to your Windows machine, install the firewall, configure it to allow connections to and from RDC, and then reconnect RDC. Otherwise, the firewall blocks the remote connection and you can't access your machine.

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1. Create exceptions to the firewall.

  • Each application has at least 1 port associated with it. Since open ports decrease firewall effectiveness, only allow applications you need.
  • Start with the main "ZoneAlarm Pro" window open and select the Firewall section.
  • Select the Expert tab in the top-right corner of the window.
  • Click the Add button in the lower section of the window.

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2. Add protocols.

  • In the "Protocol" section of the window, click Modify.
  • Select Add Protocol from the drop-down menu, and then select Add Protocol again.

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3. Create exceptions by port.

  • Choose the type of protocol from the drop-down "Protocol" menu.
  • Enter a description of the service you wish to add in the "Description" field.
  • Open the "Destination Port" and "Source Port" drop-down menus and select the application or service you wish to allow.
  • If the service isn't listed, select Other, and enter the port number in the corresponding field.
  • See a list of common applications and the ports they use.
  • Click OK in each window to save your changes.

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For more information, contact the ACT Help Desk, (858) 534-1853.