

To change the mail-protection settings, for instance, simply click the Panda icon and check the appropriate boxes on the subsequent screens. Panda's redesigned interface makes it a breeze to change default settings. However, it's easy to correct such an oversight, using a pop-up menu that appears whenever Panda first denies a program access to the Net. Surprisingly, in our test, Panda failed to include America Online in this list of programs. Like McAfee's firewall (Norton doesn't include one), Panda creates a list of installed programs that require Internet access and doesn't attempt to block them thereafter. Panda automatically installs and configures its built-in firewall but also allows you to disable the firewall if you choose. In our test, the scan took 26 minutes, performance that's on a par with initial scans by Norton and McAfee.
Panda antivirus reviews full#
Like its competitors, though, Panda does conduct a full system scan immediately following setup. By comparison, both Norton and McAfee automatically scan both the memory and hard drives. Oddly, during setup, Panda scans only your system memory for viruses-not your hard drive. Setup involves little effort from you when it's up and running, Panda loads a mini icon in the Windows System Tray. We chose the latter route and transferred the 29MB setup file to our test PC in minutes.

Panda Antivirus is easy to install, whether you use the installation CD-ROM or download the program.
Panda antivirus reviews upgrade#
Nevertheless, current Platinum 6.0 users will want to upgrade for the improved interface and new firewall, but everyone else should opt for either McAfee or Norton. Yet, Panda falls short on its virus-detection skills and telephone technical support, and it's more expensive than its competitors. Version 7.0 also features a personal firewall to prevent Internet interlopers from accessing your computer, a tool found in McAfee VirusScan 7.0 but not Norton AntiVirus 2003. Like its competitors, Panda scans incoming and outgoing mail for viruses, prevents malicious Visual Basic and JavaScript files from running amok, and updates its virus definitions via the Internet. With familiar drop-down menus, helpful wizards, and a Web-like Home screen, Panda Antivirus Platinum 7.0 is sure to please antivirus beginners.
