Advantages: Free Free and oh yes free
Disadvantages: hackers and idiots

...Firstly www.zone.com is a free Internet gaming website created on the Microsoft network. To use the zone you will need a net passport or a hotmail/msn account and to choose a nickname. -Access- Msn will not let you access through alternative web browsers such as firefox or opera and if you do try it redirects you to the download Internet explorer page. So if you try to access zone do it in Internet explorer 5 and up. -Nicknames- I like witty names like mindthestep or Solidcoldflame. But some people have names like CAC before there name which stands for crush all clans, this means they have joined the CAC clan. Even though clans are viewed as pathetic. And if you don't like your nickname you can always change it in the support section. -What games can you play on the zone? - On the zone you can play games under... Read review

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Advantages: Free games
Disadvantages: Mainly Microsoft Retail Games

...The MSN site has many sections, but one of the best is this games site, called MSN Zone. It provides a venue for you to meet other gamers and play your game of choice. The site offers the chance to play both free games and full price games (that you buy from the shops). Unfortunately the full price games are heavily biased towards Microsoft releases, but there are a few non-Microsoft games out there. The site is simple to use but does require you to create a username/password and download MSN Zone software. This software is what allows you to play the games online and is initially around a 1Mb download. This is needed because the games you play don't appear in your browser but a special window of their own. Each game has its own room and when you enter the room there is a small download of related graphics etc. Once... Read review

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Advantages: Free, easy to use
Disadvantages: None

...of gaining access to other computers is the use a Trojan horse program. This is where a piece of innocent looking software is installed that has a hidden element (the Trojan horse), which the user is unaware of. The Trojans then actively invite hackers into your computer. The use of a firewall can help combat this problem. This is where ZoneAlarm comes in. It is free to download and use for private home use. When in use ZoneAlarm effectively sits in between your computer and the Internet. It is like a big filter that will only let data through which you specify. How ZoneAlarm works ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Zone alarm is based on a system of trust, where you tell ZoneAlarm which of your programs you trust, this is done as follows; The first time each program on your computer tries to access the Internet, a ZoneAlram dialog box will pop up... Read review

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Advantages: Free, great interface, easy to use
Disadvantages: not all features available on free version

...Stop hackers and protect your online identity. If you connect to the internet then you need ZoneAlarm. I think its the best there is when it comes to keeping the outside out. Nowadays its essential to have good protection on your PC its no longer a case of you might get a virus or hacking attempt but when or if you use the internet a lot how often. What is ZoneAlarm ZoneAlarm is a firewall. Think of firewalls as gatekeepers. All messages coming in or going out are carefully screened to meet certain select security criteria. When installed, a firewall exists between your computer and the Internet. The firewall lets you request web pages, download files, chat, etc. while making sure other people on the internet can not access services on your computer like file or print sharing. Products ZoneAlarm comes in different versions from... Read review

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Advantages: Free; thorough protection against outside attacks; easy to set up and use.
Disadvantages: Annoying nag screen at start-up.

...n today's wired world, Internet access isn't just a convenience, it's a necessity. While Web browsing and downloading are faster than ever, your open connection to the Internet (especially those always-on connections such as DSL or broadband) also makes it easier for outsiders to access your computer, putting your sensitive files (such as passwords or financial data) in jeopardy. ZoneLabs ZoneAlarm 2.6 is a free firewall that protects your PC from unauthorized intrusion by blocking the TCP/IP ports most frequently used by hackers. Personal or business PC users, especially those with high-speed cable or DSL Internet access, will benefit from ZoneAlarm's solid protection. If you're not planning to use ZoneAlarm for work, download the free version right away. If you're not planning to use ZoneAlarm for work, download the free version... Read review

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Advantages: Good overall quality
Disadvantages: Emulation Zone, Counter-Strike

...As I see it, most video game review magazines are over-enthusiastic and emphasise style over content. They don't always review games in a subjective manner and can fall victim to hype. Granted, these are generalisations / exagerations and can certainly be levied at some of the PC gaming magazines to a lesser extent. However since I started reading PC Zone about 2 years ago, these kind of flaws have become all the more apparent in any other magazine I've cared to flick through. This magazine is by no means perfect, but it does get a lot of things right Reviews With the exception of Championship Manager reviews by Steve Hill whereby a +90% score is guaranteed, the previews and reviews are mostly well written. Either through comments made on an individual basis or the 'Reviews Policy' outlined in every issue, you can... Read review

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