No, it probably didn't. I don't know what your system is like, but I'm sure- from the sounds of things- that you are running some version of Windows. One of the very first things the new malware programs [viruses, trojans, worms, spyware, etc.] do is try to disable or shut down Zone Alarm and any anti-virus programs running or installed. I seriously doubt that your problem was ZoneAlarm. Your problem was that you don't know anything about computers (no offense), and some malware zapped everything it could while infecting (or trying to) your system. And it probably happened way before you started seeing problems with "ZoneAlarm". Your machine was infected by something and that started causing problems with the anti-malware software. Believe me, I know. If you had a very good computer savvy tech look at your system, I'm sure he would find many malware files in it.
You should NEVER connect to the internet without being behind a router/firewall or some software firewall-- preferably both.
I think the new computer comes with anti-virus software package that can be upgraded for 12 months
Yeah, probably a rather useless "package" from one of the below compromised "security vendors".
I would recommend that you have someone [or pay someone- it will be worth it] to setup your system with hardware firewall and software firewall, plus a good anti-virus software. DO NOT use/subscribe to/rely on Norton or McAfee/NAI or M$ anti-virus programs- or Security Suites. They have all been and will continue to be, by company policy, compromised programs that won't really protect you. Surprisingly enough, there are actually free anti-virus programs that are better than the "package" you will buy or get with a computer.
Again, from what I have read in your postings, you should hire someone technically competent to setup your complete system and be able to call them to get you out of trouble when it happens. It is really worth the little bit that it will cost you- compared to the vast amounts of time, frustration, and business losses by trying to do-it-yourself to save money. You just don't know enough technical stuff and it will take much more to get to that level of knowledge, so paying someone who has gotten there and can do it right is worth it... and that doesn't mean taking it into the local CompUSA or Fry's "repair" shop.
Sorry to be such a pessimist, but I've been working with PC computers for over 25 years and know whereof I speak. When it takes about 3+ minutes before a new, clean computer connected to the internet is compromised by malware, it's gotten beyond doing it yourself for the average Freeper/computer user. Just 'cuz you know what a Netgear router is doesn't mean that you can set it up, set up the computer and all the anti-malware software and maintain it in the face of minute-by-minute changing threats.
Or you could move to something other than Windoze, and lower your threat levels exponentially.
You may know a lot about computers, but on this point you have no idea what you are talking about. The problems I've had with ZoneAlarm began within the installation process for an upgraded version of the software.
Here's the link to the ZoneAlarm message board for product installation, new upgrades, etc.:
Just go through that board and see how many ZA customers are pulling their hair out over the same issue. There's no doubt in my mind that there is something wrong with Version 6.5.722 of the ZoneAlarm software.
If I have a problem with malware it wouldn't be the first time, but it's not the case here. I've run scans with AdAware SE and Spybot several times each day since my system crashed, and I track any changes in my registry file by using HijackThis to compare current to previous versions of the file.