Rating: 
Summary: Antivirus refugee no more.
Review: After reading some of the other reviews, I'm glad to see that I'm not the only one who has taken the long road before finding Panda AV. I've tried all of the big three AV packages, McAfee, Norton/Symantec, and Trend Micro (repackaged version from VCOM). Antivirus software would seem like such an easy business, providing you stay on top of the virus definition list; the rest should be simple. For some reason, it isn't. I don't claim to be an expert, but wanted to share my own personal observations with other consumers. Please use this information in whatever manner (if any) you find of value.
From what I can tell, McAfee does a solid job keeping up to date on virus definitions. In fact, unlike Symantec they don't require you to be a subscriber to submit a suspected virus for review. As a result, I suspect they benefit from early awareness of new threats. Unfortunately, McAfee dropped the ball in a big way on the interface and definitions download process. The biggest problem for me is the need to lower security settings in the Internet Explorer (IE) web browser for it to run. Poor security and default settings are the primary entry mechanism for spy ware/adware, and a significant entry point for Trojans/worms/viruses. This makes no sense! It is the equivalent to a burglar alarm not working unless you keep your deadbolts unlocked. Why make me choose between good perimeter security, and intrusion detection? No one else does. If I had to pick between McAfee, Trend Micro, and Norton/Symantec, Mcafee would win hands down. Fortunately, I don't have to make that choice!
I only tried the free evaluation version of Norton/Symantec, but it immediately confirmed my expectations. The software has a well deserved reputation of hanging/crashing windows, or at best making it extremely slow. My work PC has Symantec corporate on it, and scans painfully slow. The worst part is the machine is essentially unusable for the 40 or so minutes while it performs the scan. On my home PC, the installation seemed to work ok but the SW would hang unexpectedly. Normal operations would also seize as Norton snooped behind the scenes. My only recourse was to do a clean install of windows.
Having only used a repackaged version of Trend Micro's PC-cillin, my only legitimate beef with them is that their virus detection database lacks the depth required to offer real protection. I was infected with a Trojan during a highly publicized web storm, and weeks later they still didn't recognize it even though Norton and McAfee had recognized it for quite a while. If they don't get this part right, why worry about the rest?
Finally, on to Panda. This software is truly fantastic! It is easily 2X faster than the rest, and places a much smaller load on Windows both during a scan and while protecting your PC in the background. New virus definitions (about 60-80) come daily, in the most elegant self update of any program I've ever seen. You won't even notice it happening, even over dial up! One apparent side effect of the daily virus signature policy is Panda protects against many more viruses than the others. Also, if you suspect a file that the scanner doesn't identify as a virus, you can easily submit it to them for analysis. The interface is somewhat basic (lacks polish), but everything is easy to find and intuitive. On my machine, Panda scans over 50 thousand files in under six and a half minutes. At the same time, I can let the scan run in the background while I work on something else. It is so fast and painless, I run a scan every day now. The only mediocre side is support (they were a bit snotty when I emailed for the update program's configuration requirements through my firewall). However, since mediocre support is the new bar for software excellence, I can't really complain!
One last note: To further enhance your security online you can download two excellent free programs. The first is Sygate Personal Firewall (free for non business use), and the second is the Mozilla Firefox web browser. Also, all of the anti virus packages mentioned here offer free scans (Norton, McAfee, and Panda via ActiveX), and Trend via free download scanner. Whichever one you pick, you can periodically scan with the others to see if there are files you SW missed.
Rating:
Summary: Simply Put - BETTER than the Big Two (McAfee and Norton)
Review: Here is the scenario. I had been having some serious quality issues with McAfee's Internet Security 5.0. Everytime it was updating my virus definitions - it was crashing my PC. In fact, even after reformatting the hard drive - I still had still a problem. I had decided to replace McAfee with its biggest competitor - Norton AntiVirus 2004. I had other firewall and security solutions that worked for me, so I didn't need a full Internet Security Suite. As I am going to pay for the Norton software, the salesperson informs me of Panda's Antivirus Titanium Solution. He was raving about it. I wasn't too thrilled about going with Norton to begin with, so I figured - why not give it a try? I made the purchase and the rest was history. This is by far the best anti-virus solution I have seen today. McAfee and Norton need to take notice - there is a new player in town with Panda Software and they should take notice.
Panda's Virus Solution is a subscription-based service. When you purchase the software you get one year's worth of virus definitions. There is an activation step as part of the registration process. Basically as part of the step, you will setup an account with Panda. They will in turn give you a userid and password that will be used in your software. This userid and password will then give you access to your subscription for the next year. If you don't register and activate, you will only have limited use of the software. They only let you activate once, so once you setup your account - you are locked into your subscription (i.e. you can reformat your hard-drive, it won't matter). This is fine with me, and I applaud Panda for their anti-piracy policies.
Panda's AntiVirus Solution has a very enticing GUI. In your system tray, the icon is - a panda bear (naturally). When you open the console, it is a simple GUI to navigate. I had little problem finding what I needed to do - whether it was a System Scan, Adminstrative Task, or Update My Virus Definitions. Panda recommends setting the automatic protection settings to be enabled to give you the best security. This will allow you to receive automated updates. I have found enabling this has been a real benefit thus far.
When you boot your system, Panda performs a "Self-Diagnosis" to be sure the system is properly protected (i.e. latest virus updates). A pop-up window (GUI based, not browser based) will be displayed each time you boot your system. I have found this to be extremely helpful and non-intrusive. It gives me peace of mind to know that the software is working right. When I had installed Panda, I had my userid and password inproperly configured and this helped me realize that by telling me I wasn't getting the latest virus updates. A pop-up will also inform you when the Anti-Virus definitions have been updated. Again, this was non-intrusive.
In terms of the functionality of the software - again this has been terrific. The two main functions I look for with Anti-Virus Software are: 1) The Scan Capabilities; 2) Catching the Virus. High marks to Panda in both of these areas. For the scan capabiltiies, I have found this to be comprehensive and not have much of an impact on the performance of my PC (running a Celeron 700 MHz processor) as compared to the "Big Two". Other Anti-Virus solutions have not nearly performed as well or completed the scan as quick and I would say this one is the best. As for as Virus entrapment and eradication - high marks again! I am finding that Panda is constantly updating the virus definitions - much more so than I see the "Big Two" brands. I have also found Panda to be better at catching viruses. Panda immediately warns you of Virus entrapment and eradication through the non-instrusive pop-up window. Since I've installed Panda, I have found that it has caught more viruses than my McAfee solution ever caught. It seems like Panda is much better at catching the "small things". I haven't been hit with a big virus since installing Panda, so I'm still not sure how it performs under these conditions - so time will tell (but I'm confident). Panda also has some nice reporting options so you can review what the scan has found.
Panda's Documentation is web-based and web-site is terrific. There is a wealth of information available. I've found this web-site to be so much easier to navigate than the "Big Two" and I have been very pleased at what I have been able to find. They have comprehensive Virus information available. The site does a tremendous job at tracking what and where the most common viruses that are infecting PCs are (there are some great "infection maps" and a "Virusometer"). There even is a free two hour virus course available to learn all about computer viruses.
At first I was skeptical about getting another solution other than the "Big Two". But since I've installed and have been using Panda's Solution, I have had complete peace of mind that my system is protected. In addition, I feel have equal or better functionality in the product than I got with "The Big Two". Panda might not have snazzy rebates or discounts, but they deliver on the product. I found Panda's solution competitively priced and would easily buy it again even if it was more money. This is highly recommended.
Rating: 
Summary: Compatibility Issues & Lousy Customer Service
Review: I am so disappointed! Before you buy this software,please read all the reviews. This version of Panda Anti virus doesn't work on all computers and it may even damage your system. But for those that it operates correctly, they are thrilled with it. Both my wife,who uses it at work, and my son, who uses on his home computer, recommended this to me. The bright spot for me was low use of resources. I was putting it on an old machine that used Windows 98 and I didn't have the resources to spare. As you may be aware, some of the newer antivirus programs only work well on new machines. As soon as I loaded up Panda and downloaded the list of virus definitions, I lost the capability to get on the Internet. Only after I uninstalled Panda was I able to restore my computer connection. So I tried to call Panda customer service. But they don't have an 800 # so you have to dial direct long distance and then they put you on hold for eternity. I hung up after 20 minutes, I'd spent more money than I wanted to for the call. Then I tried to contact tech support thru email. But their website is so confusing with requirements for screwy client #s and odd password #s..I gave up. I reloaded Panda and contacted tech support email. Sent the email and uninstalled Panda again. It's been 3 days and I still haven't received a reply. I suppose I should be thankful Panda didn't permanently damage my computer and uninstalling the software restored my machine to me. But for you, if you buy Panda antivirus, save your sales receipt.
Rating: 
Summary: I'm Underwhelmed
Review: I bought this software because I had heard good things about it. Wish I could say the same, but I can't. It's true that it is easy to install and configure, and doesn't seem to get in your way during normal computer operation, but it has been ineffective in getting rid of the very first thing my computer "caught". Panda software detected and notified me of a trojan horse program, but has not offered to remove it (as its instructions say it should). An email inquiry to Panda's tech support was answered 6 days later, stating simply...
"If you have used the instructions from the Virus Info page on our site, then there is no other information to offer. What you can try is to do a search for that virus name on Google and see what other people have found to remove it."
So now it's up to me to try to get rid of this thing. I thought that's what the antivirus software was supposed to do. I also had the impression, from their marketing hype, that Panda's tech support would try to work with you to solve a problem. I feel that they've made no effort to explain why their software can't remove it, or offer any additional help.
Rating:
Summary: Serious bug
Review: I had a very similar experience as the reviewer from Brooklyn. I went for the free version of this software, downloaded from panda's website. Immediately after rebooting my system I noticed that all the desktop icons were generic looking. And my internet explorer was missing all the bookmarks. I did a lot of digging on my hard drive and on the Internet, in the end I ran across the Brooklyn guy's review and uninstalled Panda. Lo and behold, after another reboot my system was back to normal again. I guess I got it for free so I should of known.
Rating:
Summary: Screwed up my IE badly
Review: I highly recommend against Panda Antivirus. Immediately after I installed it (after getting dissatisfied with Norton Antivirus 2004 Professional) it srewed up my Internet Explorer. First, all my favorite links (hundreds of them!) disappeared without a trace. Actually, before that... I had a lot of trouble registering the product on Panda's website, and the username/password they provided me did not work at all. Back to IE... All my favorites were gone! And I could not add any more links. Apparently Panda changed some registry settings for IE that would not allow me to change any settings in IE. If I went into options and tried to change settings, IE would just crash. Also my Internet setting on my Windows XP Home system was reset by Panda. This is absolutely the worst piece of software I've used.Upon uninstalling it I rebooted and everything went back to normal. I ran McAfee's online virus scan tool to make sure my system was sound. Definitely stay away! I do not recommend Norton, either. McAfee seems the best bet right now, even though I didn't like their older versions, but at least the 2004 McAfee seems okay so far.
Rating:
Summary: Best antivirus I've ever used.
Review: I've been using Norton for many years, thinking since it was the most popular it was the best. But it isn't, actually, its one of the worst. So I spent much time researching various antiviruses and tried quite a few, including McAfee, Kaspersky, NOD32, Trend Micro Internet Security and Panda. Trend Micro's antivirus is also very good, especially with the bundled firewall and some other extra features.
I had tried Panda awhile back but it crashed my system so I made up my mind to never use it again. But this was a different system, OS and antivirus version, so after noticing a few good reviews I just decided to try it.
Pros
1)Consumes very little system resources compared to other progs, especially when scanning.
2)Very good scan speed, much faster than any other I've tried.
3)Actually detects AND disinfects the viruses it finds.
4)Easy to use.
5)Nice user interface.
6)Scans for various other infections such as hackertools and jokes. Cons
Haven't found any. I do warn you however, I've heard quite a few reports of this crashing systems and doing other unwanted things to peoples systems, so try it at your own risk. For me it worked perfectly.
Rating:
Summary: Finally, free from the tyranny of Norton!
Review: Let's face it. One person's anecdote about having problems or not having problems with an antivirus program is not evidence of its quality. I work in a software store and we usually try and recommend Panda to customers simply because we use it personally AND in-store and it works great. No problems. Not only that, but we haven't had any complaints about Panda other then some installation problems on older operating systems.
Norton Systemworks and Antivirus are still somehow, inexplicably, popular with consumers (along with the horrible Zone Alarm). I have no idea why, it's generally a system hog and mostly redundant and sometimes ineffective. I used Norton SW for a few years and it always seemed to tell me 'hey, I found a virus! But I can't do anything about it! Sorry!' Great, what did I buy you for?!
The most serious problem with Norton is, as I mentioned, the fact that it slows your computer down dramatically, mostly with features that you don't want or need, or that are already available in Windows.
Panda follows the rules of good design by bypassing all the stupid "features" that other companies keep dumping on their programs every year to justify releasing a new version. Instead, Panda is intuitive, simple and does what it does very well.
Most importantly, it uses very little system resources. You don't even notice it's running most of the time. It scans very quickly and you can still run other programs at (what seems like) full capacity while you do so. THe other main benefit of Panda is that as soon as they discover a new virus definition, they give it to you instantly. THey don't wait for your 'scheduled update' which could be too late! These are the two biggest reasons why I recommend Panda.
The graphic interface also looks much nicer. Admit it, the way it looks does matter, you have to look at it everyday.
I use the firewall included with Windows XP, Panda antivirus and THAT'S IT. I have not had even the smallest problem with my computer, it runs flawlessly.
Of course, I don't use File Transfer programs to steal data so that could be a big factor.
Rating: 
Summary: Great antivirus...
Review: My experience with antivirus software is, let's say, diverse. I have tried from Norton to McAfee and even the freebie Avast! and I can say the best one I've seen so far is this little engine that could from Spain. Norton is a resource hog, it drains away so much RAM it makes your computer useless. Compared to that, Panda uses few RAM and your system does not sacrifice much resources. Titanium was designed to be as simple as it can be for the regular user, and it is marvelous on that department. You won't get caught up in undecipherable computer mumbo jumbo.. in plain and simple English (or Spanish, your choice) you'll be able to scan your systemn and see how it vulnerable it is to online threats. Its update system is the best and most comprehensive out there, and it sends DAILY files with new virus information to systems, compared to the bi-weekly or when-the-latest-major-crisis-comes-out updates from Norton. Give it a try and you won't be sorry.
Rating:
Summary: Sucked the life out of my pc(s). Very unforgiving IMHO
Review: One version of Panda AV, came as part of the SYSTEM MECHANIC PRO by Iolo.
also, I have tried more than just one version of Panda. I have tested on more than just one make/model of pc. [So any problems that re-occur are either a coincidence or just code problems].
Note: there are no issues here with licensing, as I own more than one copy of it. I'm doubly safe, as I don't have panda installed on ANY of my systems. :^|
During several installation attempts, the software took control of my cpu processing time and I could not do anything with the pc, except power down. CTRL-ALT-DELETE wouldn't help me regain control either.
This occurred right after the initial installation [first reboot thereafter].
Since I had the luxury of extra resources available, I simply:
1. took the drive that had panda on it out [so it was no longer my boot drive].
2. installed another HD with an OS on it, making it the boot drive.
3. booted up on the 2nd drive, then used explorer to search my original hard drive for panda software.
4. removed all of the panda software I could find.
5. put configuration back to normal.
6. booted up on original hard drive and surprise, a panda process was STILL hanging around, using up a lot of cpu time.
7. used regedit to remove the references in the registry.
8. ran a registry tool to clean things up.
From what I have gathered in chatting with others, one person said that if there are ANY drive problems [errors?], then it can hangup the initial virus scan that panda does.
Since the first system AV scan is a full system scan, if you hang up the scan, you hang up the system!
I didn't note ANY drive errors, nor did I see chkdsk ever have to fix anything.
Overall, my experiences with panda have turned into a TIME PIT.
I just can't afford to make any more donations to any time pit.
Life is too short.
My tried and true favorites are:
1. Norton AV [either alone, or as a suite]
2. Trend micro [came in the System suite 4 and 5 package, by VCOM].
3. Mcafee.
4. Bit defender
I work on pc's day in and day out, [for over the past 10+ years], so I need software that WORKS.
Virus problems are painful enough. I don't want to fight with an ANTI-virus program also.
Maybe it does work fine for others, but it's been less than satisfactory in my experiences.
My favorite suite for security is norton internet security, with both the anti virus program and the firewall.
It has truly saved my pc on several occasions [when it's alert screens pop up and warn against attacks].
Just my 2 cents.
My recommendation: Download and TEST a DEMO version first.
If it works for you, great.
If not, then you'll find out BEFORE you spend any money of your own.
|
