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Panda Antivirus 2008 is a good, solid antivirus application.
It blocks both known and unknown viruses very well with database comparison and heuristic analysis. It performs less impressively with spyware; it does not detect spyware proactively. |
User Interface: Panda Antivirus 2008 has a clean, boldly colored interface that enables users to access most configuration options easily. It integrates well with Microsoft Security Center.
Scanning: Panda Antivirus 2008’s extensive scanning engine works well even across shared networks. Scanning was quick and effective. Panda Antivirus 2008 found all pre-installed viruses and Trojans, and notification of each occurrence was non-intrusive. However, during the manual scan, we were unable to use any other features of the program.
Real-Time Protection: Panda Antivirus 2008 blocks viruses and spyware in real time. However, in order to get proactive protection against spyware and other forms of malware, you must purchase Panda Antivirus and Firewall.
Upgrades and Updates: User can configure how and when updates and upgrades will be performed. Updates were performed automatically after installation and the application retrieved the latest definitions.
Value: The price of Panda Antivirus is $39.99 for a 1-year subscription for up to three PCs. You can extend the 1-year subscription to 24 months for $67.95 or 36 months for $87.95.
Integrated Support Options: Panda provides Web-based support with an extensive and searchable knowledge base. Panda’s Help system, which comes with the product, does not provide detailed instructions or very much information.
Top Features
- Easy, intuitive user interface.
- Graphical reporting and good logging information.
- Easy to configure advanced options.
- Good, aggressive protection against viruses.
- 30-day unconditional money-back guarantee.
Pros
- Very aggressive virus detection and removal.
- Good integration with Microsoft Internet Explorer.
- Integrates well with Microsoft Security Center.
- Fast scanner with informative display.
Cons
- High Memory consumption (57 MB)
- Does not schedule a weekly or monthly scan automatically and there is no option to this manually.
- There is no Quarantine feature for recovery of infected files. We found no way to recover any files detected and removed by Panda Antivirus 2008.
- Requires reboot after installation and after detecting some viruses and Trojans.
- Does not include replacement personal firewall.
Installation: Panda Antivirus 2008 performs a virus scan before installing. Installation was easy and straightforward. Upon finishing installation, the setup wizard prompts you to register the product, which enables you to get daily automatic updates, updated application versions, and 24/7/365 tech support. After installation, the product begins to update itself and prompts to reboot. A full install of this product provides antivirus protection, proactive protection against unknown viruses, spyware protection, and phishing protection.
Detection: In our testing, Panda Antivirus 2008 detected and removed most viruses, spyware, and Trojans we threw at it. In all cases, the product prevented the malware from being installed or copied.
Phishing and Malicious Web site Protection: Panda Antivirus 2008 provides protection against phishing attacks. In order to get protection from malicious Web sites, you must purchase Panda Antivirus and Firewall.
Updates: Panda Antivirus 2008 enables the user to determine how and when updates are to be performed. Only registered users can get product updates and definition updates.
Certified: West Coast Labs Anti-Virus Level 1, 2 and Trojan certified. [Jan 2005]
Customer Support: Panda provides Web-based support with an extensive and searchable knowledge base. Panda’s Help system, which comes with the product, does not provide detailed instructions or very much information. E-mail support is available 24/7/365. Phone support requires purchase of different product license ($69.90 for a one-year subscription for 2 PCs.) Or, you can get telephone support for $20.00 per incident.