Panda Cloud Antivirus 1.5, Panda Security’s newest release (June 20, 2011), of it’s popular cloud-based antimalware application, should be even more effective at keeping the bad guys at bay with it’s newest enhanced features.
New features include – improved scanning speeds, less CPU consumption, advanced configuration options for exclusions of files based on file extensions, and a new activity monitor which shows information such as scanned file details, and previous viruses detected.
Panda Security obviously pays attention to its users recommendations for improved product features, since a number of these new features were suggested by the user community.
Panda Cloud Antivirus is based on Collective Intelligence, a system for detecting and disinfecting viruses and other threats that feeds off the knowledge shared by millions of users. The computers that are part of the Panda Community – instantly share and benefit from all the information stored in the cloud.
Testing anti-malware applications takes considerable time in order to get to the heart of the matter – does an application work in the “real world?”
Will the application do what an average user expects – does it block malware effectively and efficiently? Particularly new, or emerging, malware threats.
Is the interface crafted in such a way that an average user doesn’t need to digest an instruction manual in order to navigate the application?
Is the application capable of providing adequate protection without stressing system resources?
I’ve been running Panda Cloud Antivirus, on a secondary system, since April 2009, and in this extensive testing, Panda Cloud Antivirus has met, or exceeded, all of these requirements. So, I’m looking forward to giving this new release a workout.
Installation:
Pay particular attention at the Install screen. Once again, you’ll be asked to accept a Toolbar and a change in your Homepage – annoying as hell. As well, on this screen, you can choose your language.
Panda is obviously convinced that the “more is less” GUI approach, is suitable for most users. Kudos – I couldn’t agree more.
The optimized scan screen.
Scan time: under 5 minutes – 19,873 files.
The settings menu is accessed via the tool icon – as shown at the “hand icon” in the above screen shot. I found this “hideaway” a little awkward.
Despite an abundance of settings you’ll find some settings are only available in the Pro version.
At less than $30 for the one year Pro Edition license, you might consider jumping up to this version. Frankly though, I’m no fan of one year licenses.
Not when one considers that a lifetime license for Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware and SUPERAntiSpyware, both of which are outstanding applications, can be purchased for less than $30 – considerably less when on sale.
Fast facts:
Light – Only works where necessary. It’s so light you won’t even notice it.
Easy – Don’t worry about complicated decisions ever again. Panda Cloud Antivirus will make the best decisions for you to keep your PC protected.
Secure – Panda Cloud Antivirus is based on Collective Intelligence, a system that continuously collects and analyzes viruses and other threats gathered from the community of millions of Panda users around the world.
Free – No tricks! Panda Cloud Antivirus has a free version that protects you against viruses and malicious websites.
Note: Panda’s Collective Intelligence servers have analyzed 175,569,053 (and counting) viruses, and known goodware.
System requirements: Windows 7 32-bit, Windows 7 64-bit, Windows Vista 32-bit, Windows Vista 64-bit, Windows XP 32-bit, Windows XP 64-bit.
Panda Cloud Antivirus is available in 20 languages.
Download at: Panda Security
Backed by more than two years experience running Panda Cloud Antivirus in various editions, I have no hesitation in recommending Panda Cloud Antivirus 1.5 as a front line antivirus application.
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Bill Mullins' Weblog - Tech Thoughts 
Thanks Sir,
Eagerly awaiting v.2.0 one.FYI v.1.9 beta is available at Panda’s forum, the final will be v.2.0 which will have some good improvements compared to v.1.5 🙂
Regards
Hey Try,
I wasn’t aware of that. Thanks.
Best,
Bill
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Hey, Bill —
How does the new Panda Cloud AV compare to Microsoft Security Essentials as a stand-alone AV? Would they play nice with each other?
I don’t understand the “Fast Facts” statement that says.
“. . . – Only works where necessary. . . ”
I assume that it is always scanning, and working refers to doing something with any malware it finds. Am I correct?
Thanks!
Hey Hipockets,
Yep, your dead on.
Panda Cloud vs Microsoft Security Essentials – the clear winner in my view is MSE (in a stand alone faceoff). But, I prefer to think of Panda as a companion app, much like Immunet Protect since they are both Cloud based and, all the heavy lifting takes place in the Cloud. There’s much to be gained and nothing to lose (at least in my testing), by running both. They do, in fact, play well together.
Best,
Bill
Hey Bill
i did consider using Panda AV as a frontline defence at one stage, but it is recommended you have an “always on” connection for it be ultra effective. I turn my PC off when I’m asleep, save power and all that. So, yep, MSE it is for me. Actually wouldn’t have anything else.
Cheers
Hey Mal,
I think what they’re referring to here, is a Broadband connection which is “always on”, as opposed to a Dial-up connection which is not necessarily “always on” (depending on the setup). Still, I’m hearing you load and clear – MSE is my choice too.
At the moment, Norton is running an AV TV commercial here, with the back story being – Johnny is an asshole because he recommended a FREE AV to all his buds. Naturally, they all got infected, since FREE AVs aren’t worth the powder to blow them to hell (well, according to Norton they’re not). Poor Johnny barely escapes with his life.
Every time I see this outrageous lie of a commercial, MSE immediately comes to mind. As does the nonsense that any AV offers full protection to the lethargically stupid Web user. Is it any wonder we have the problem we have when an AV developer tells only a small piece of the truth? A classic consumer manipulation.
Best,
Bill
Hey Bill,
That is unbelievable about Norton’s. Talk about sour grapes, they are cranky coz they know there are plenty of good free AV’s that are better than their product.
I haven’t tried Norton’s in years, I see good reviews, but my experience was it was a resource hog. After reading about this commercial you speak of, I think they have just gone to the top of my s**t list.
Cheers
Hey Mal,
That’s it exactly – “sour grapes”.
Best,
Bill