Free Antivirus software - Panda Cloud Antivirus Free

This software is very different when it comes to operating. This software actually acts as a client. The software stores virus definitions on the network. The program runs the scan with the help of definitions files  stores in the network. This way the software keeps itself fully updated and also traps new viruses with ease.  This is innovative feature that we do not come across in many other antivirus programs. Since the virus definition files are not stores on the user’s computer, it does not strain the system.  Another point to note here is as the cloud storage grows the scan quality could get better and more reliable.

The installation is simple and takes very little time. While installation the user must specify his choice of products either free version or the commercial version which has be to be activated through a license key.

The Dashboard interface has a very simple screen displaying current protection status only. It does not specify any other details like files being scanned etc. Simple buttons have been provided at the top. The recycle bin looking button acts like a place to isolate the virus files.

A small icon on the bottom brings up the Settings dialog. Various settings like Auto run, proxy server and exclusions. While there no nagging screen there is a link displayed at the bottom of the dashboard suggesting and upgrade to Panda Cloud Antivirus pro. For the user of the free version these obviously should not pose any problem. 

The scanning method includes  on access scan – that is files are scanned  when it is accessed or opened.  Scan is also done when files are downloaded from internet. Apart from this a background scan of all current files in use also is provided.

\

Scans also can be optimized for full scan which scans the entire hard drives and partitions, or specified areas in the computer.

The only minus point which should be mentioned is because of the cloud storage system, the program has to rely on, the scanning process is slower than many other antivirus programs. But for a free antivirus program the features offered are sufficiently good for any user.