Access Permissions tab

Click the numbers to learn about specific controls, or read an introduction.

To reach this tab:

1. Go to Program Control / Main tab.
2. Click the Advanced button.

Access Permissions tab (Advanced Program Options dialog)

By default, ZoneAlarm Pro displays a New Program alert when a program on your computer tries to access the Internet or local network resources for the first time. It displays a Server Program alert when a program tries to act as a server for the first time.

Use this tab to:

Allow or deny access permission to all new programs
Allow or deny server permission to all new programs.

You can apply different settings to each Zone.

Note Settings for individual programs can be established in the Programs tab. Settings in this panel apply ONLY to programs not yet listed in the Programs tab.

Connection Attempts

These settings determine what happens when a new program requests access permission for the Trusted Zone or Internet Zone.

Choose Always deny... to have ZoneAlarm Pro deny access silently

Choose Always allow... to have ZoneAlarm Pro allow access silently.

Choose Always ask... to have ZoneAlarm Pro show a New Program alert when a new program asks for access.

Server Attempts

These settings determine what happens when a new program wants server permission for the Trusted Zone or Internet Zone.

Choose Always deny... to have ZoneAlarm Pro deny server rights silently

Choose Always allow... to have ZoneAlarm Pro allow server rights silently.

Choose Always ask... to have ZoneAlarm Pro show a Server Program alert when a new program asks for server rights.

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)

Back

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