About ZoneAlarm

• ZoneAlarm offers several products, ranging from $19.95 to $69.95. The cheapest option, ForceField, offers an anti-phishing status toolbar, Internet browsing protection, password protection and private browsing. However, other versions of the program offer numerous grades of firewall protection, antivirus and anti-spam engines, credit bureau monitoring and parental controls. The most expensive suite includes online backup, private browsing and PC tune-up. Hard drive encryption is also available at an extra cost.
  
  

Norton Internet Security

• One of the best-known security brands in the market is Norton Internet Security. Though Symantec, the parent corporation, produces several versions of Norton, many consider Norton Internet Security 2010 the best option. It is easy to install, and it offers anti-spam, anti-malware and anti-phishing capabilities. In addition, it provides parental controls and a comprehensive firewall customized to your needs. One of the biggest strengths is its low draw on computer performance, allowing you to use it in the background without slowing down your system's processing speed. It costs about $70 for three licenses.
  
  

Prevx

• Prevx, known primarily as an anti-malware utility, provides excellent protection on the Internet. It does not keep a list of malware software but rather identifies malware based on certain behavioral aspects. It is a small download but very effective, and it allows for system scans. It also costs only $30. However, it does require an Internet connection in order to function.
  
  

Net Nanny

• ContentWatch's Net Nanny provides more in terms of parental control than other software, making it a valuable alternative to ZoneAlarm's similar features. It offers content-based web filtering and sends alerts based on problematic material. It sends interactive reports and email alerts and offers extensive remote management. While not the same as ZoneAlarm in spyware or virus detection, it is a powerful software system for parental control and costs about $40.
  
  

Webroot Antivirus

• Webroot Software's recent release of its Internet Security Suite includes an antivirus and anti-spyware component that offers a serious alternative to ZoneAlarm's product. It effectively eliminates malware and spyware, keeps systems clean and scans systems quickly. It also comes with online backup as a bonus. Despite its features, it does not provide all the aspects of ZoneAlarm, and it costs almost as much at $34. It can affect systems after cleanup, it does not offer parental control and the firewall protection is nonexistent.