Server Program alert

Why these alerts occur

Server Program alerts occur when a program on your computer wants server permission for either the Internet Zone or Trusted Zone, and that program has not already received server permission from you.

Relatively few programs on your computer will require server permission. Some common types of programs that do are:

• Chat
• Internet Call Waiting
• Music file sharing (such as Napster)
• Streaming Media (such as RealPlayer)
• Voice-over-Internet
• Web meeting

What you should do

Click Yes or No in the alert pop-up after following these steps:

1. Did you just launch a program or process that would reasonably require permission? If so, it's probably safe to click Yes. If not, continue with step 2.

2. Do you recognize the name of the program in the Alert pop-up, and if so, does it make sense for the program to need permission? If so, it's probably safe to click Yes. If not, or if you're not sure, continue with step 3.

3. Click the More Info button in the alert box. This submits your alert information (for example, the name of the program and the address it was trying to reach) to AlertAdvisor, which then displays a Web page with information about the alert and the program. Use the AlertAdvisor information to help you decide if it's safe to answer Yes.
   
   Note: If your browser does not have permission to access the Internet, you will be re-routed to this help file. To access AlertAdvisor, give your browser permission to access the Internet. How?

Caution If you are still not certain that the program is legitimate and needs server permission, it is safest to anwser No. If it becomes necessary, you can give the program server permission later by using the Programs tab. How?

How you can see fewer of these alerts

If you are using the types of programs described above that require server permission to operate properly, use the Programs tab in ZoneAlarm Pro to grant permission before you start using the program. How?

Related Topics

Alert details
What's a Zone?

Glossary

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)