Using games with ZoneAlarm Pro

In order to play games over the Internet while using ZoneAlarm Pro, you may have to adjust the following settings.

Program permission

Internet games to function require access permission and/or server permission for the Internet Zone.

The easiest way to grant access is to answer "Yes" to the program alert caused by the game program. However, Many games run in "exclusive" full screen mode, which will prevent you from seeing the alert. Use any of the methods below to solve this problem.

• Set the game to run in a window

  This will allow you to see the alert, if the game is running at a resolution lower than that of your desktop. If the alert appears but you respond to it because your mouse is locked to the game, press the Windows logo key on your keyboard.

  After granting the game program Internet access, reset the game to run full-screen.

• Use software rendering mode

  By changing your rendering mode to "Software Rendering," you can allow Windows to display the ZoneAlarm Alert on top of your game screen. After allowing the game Internet access, you can change back to your preferred rendering device.

• Use Alt+Tab

  Press Alt+Tab to toggle back into Windows. This leaves the game running, but allows you to respond to the alert. Once you have allowed Internet access, press Alt+Tab again to restore your game.

Note The last method may cause some applications to crash, especially if you are using Glide or OpenGL; however, the problem should be corrected the next time you run the game. Sometimes you can use Alt-Enter in the place of Alt-Tab.

To learn how to grant access or server permission by using the Programs tab, see the related topic Changing program permission.

Security level/Zone

Some Internet games, particularly those that use java, applets, or other Web-based portal functionality, may not work properly when your Internet Zone security level is set to High. High security will also prevent remote game servers from "seeing" your computer. To solve these problems, you can:

• Change your Internet Zone security level to Medium, or
• Add the game server you're connecting to your Trusted Zone. The game documentation or from the game manufacturer's Web site should indicate the IP address or host name of the server.

To learn how to add a host or IP address to the Trusted Zone, see the relate topic Adding to the Trusted Zone.

Caution Trusting game servers means trusting the other players in the game. ZoneAlarm Pro does not protect you from attacks instigated by fellow gamers in a trusted environment. Make sure that you understand how to configure your browser's security for optimal protection and have the latest service packs installed for the browser you are using.

Firewall settings

ZoneAlarm Pro dynamically opens and closes ports as needed when you're gaming, so no adjustments to firewall configuration need to be made.

Related Topics

Changing program permission
Adding computers to the Trusted Zone