The cute Panda packs a killer punch. Review on Panda Antivirus

Actually the product I am using is not Panda Antivirus Pro, but Panda Global Protection 2014( which provides some cool additional features) . Anyway, the products are similar and from the same vendor. I bought this product bypassing some of the more famous products like Norton, AVG, Kaspersky and McAfee. Actually I have used AVG internet security trial version and a fully functional McAfee for a 3 month license. I felt that Mcafee price is a bit on the higher side. Also, the user interface was a bit complicated.AVG has nice features, but lacks a few cool features that Panda GP provides.

Now, I will go through the features:

The standard features are common for all security suites. So I will just state the extras. 1.Panda has the option to install a USB vaccine to protect all USB media that I use on my PC and it can also prevent CD and USB autorun.

1. A Panda cloud cleaner for additional virus scan, if the malware is not cleared by traditional system scan or the AV cannot quarantine it. This has a portable version as well

   
   




2. A virtual keyboard, which comes in very handy for net-banking. Helps in bypassing all keyloggers

   
   

The best thing about this security suite, is, of course, the price. It cost a mere RS.120 for a 15 month single-user license( from a reseller) .

As for the difference with Panda Antivirus Pro 2014, this one provides the following extra features:

1. Parental control for preventing children from accessing specified websites

   
   




2. Identity protection

   
   




3. Android version. This is very handy for tablet or phablet users. It includes Panda Anti-theft which can locate the android device on Google maps and wipe all data remotely.( However, I see this feature as a small consolation for a user whose tablet was stolen.)

   
   




4. Anti-spam for scanning for junk mail in browser and email client( like MS Outlook)

   
   




5. Password depot. This stores password files in a secure vault.It works in combination with the virtual keyboard

   
   

All in all, for usability, features and price, this surely is a very handy and affordable security suite.

There are however some minor drawbacks that I should also point out.

1. As this is a cloud-based security suite, a broadband connection, or at least a high-speed EDGE connection is a must.

   
   




2. There is no sandbox feature like in Comodo AV, which means a suspect application cannot be run or tested in a secure testing environment.

   
   




3. A feature called TruPrevent enables detection of unknown threats. However, activating this consumes additional system resources and may slow down the PC.

   
   

Finally, I should point out that I use Windows XP SP3 which runs this AV like a charm. But I am not sure how it will run in more recent Windows versions.