Using e-mail programs with ZoneAlarm Pro

In order for your e-mail program (for example, Microsoft Outlook) to send and receive mail, it must have access permission for the Zone the mail server is in. In addition, some e-mail client software may have more than one component requiring server permission. For example, MS Outlook requires both the base application (OUTLOOK.EXE) and the Messaging Subsystem Spooler (MAPISP32.exe) to have server permission.

While you can give your e-mail program access to the Internet Zone, and leave the mail server there, it's safer to place the mail server in the Trusted Zone, and limit the program's access to that Zone only. Once your e-mail client has access to the Trusted Zone, add the remote mail server (host) to the Trusted Zone.

To learn how to give a program permission to access or act as a server to the Trusted Zone, see the related topic Changing program permission.

To learn how to add a host to the Trusted Zone, see the related topic Adding to the Trusted Zone.

Note You can also heighten security by limiting the ports that your e-mail program can use. To do this, use the Ports tab.

Related Topics

Changing program permission
Adding to the Trusted Zone

Glossary

access permission
Access permission allows a program on your computer to initiate communications with another computer. This is distinct from server permission, which allows a program to "listen" for connection requests from other computers. You can give a program access permission for the Trusted Zone, the Internet Zone, or both.

Several common applications may need access permission to operate normally. For example, your browser needs access permission in order to contact your ISP's servers. Your e-mail client (for example, MS Outlook) needs access permission in order to send or receive e-mail.

The following basic options are available for each program:

Allow the program to connect to computers in the Internet Zone / Trusted Zone

Block the program from accessing computers in the Internet Zone / Trusted Zone

Ask whether the program should have access permission (show Repeat Program alert)

server permission
Server permission allows a program on your computer to "listen" for connection requests from other computers, in effect giving those computers the power to initiate communications with yours. This is distinct from access permission, which allows a program to initiate a communications session with another computer.

Several common types of applications, such as chat programs, e-mail clients, and Internet Call Waiting programs, may need server permission to operate properly. Grant server permission only to programs you're sure you trust, and that require it in order to work.

If possible, avoid granting a program server permission for the Internet Zone. If you need to accept incoming connections from only a small number of machines, add those machines to the Trusted Zone, and then allow the program server permission for the Trusted Zone only.

The following basic options are available for each program

Allow the program to listen for connection requests

Block the program from listening for connection requests

Ask me whether to allow the program to listen for connection requests (show Server Program alert)

mail server
The remote computer from which the e-mail program on your computer retrieves e-mail messages sent to you.