On 8th of May, Panda Security announced the release of Panda Cloud Antivirus 3.0, the latest edition of its very popular cloud-based antivirus application. We’ve tried it and we have to say that it is fast and ultra-lightweight without making any compromises to functionality.
The 3.0 version comes with a Windows 8 styled interface, as many other security packages, but, while this is not very original, the tiny antivirus tool looks good and it’s very easy to use. The users can even drag tile around the interface and rearrange them as they desire.
Panda Cloud Antivirus 3.0 Free
Among many other security improvements, Panda Cloud Antivirus 3.0 Free, gets two major features that were previously available only for the commercial Pro version. First of all, users can now schedule scans for an unattended run. And secondly, it has added and automatic USB vaccination, which will keep your computer safe from autorun viruses.
As a standard, both free and commercial version, feature real-time antivirus and spyware protection and its behavioural monitoring detects even the newest malware. Also, with URL monitoring, the 3.0 version of Panda Cloud Antivirus prevents the access of dangerous websites and the Process Monitor identifies and highlights programs that open network connections and gives the user the ability to block them individually.
There are many other useful features implemented in the new 3.0 edition, small tweaks and new options, but we’ll not go into much detail. One feature that impressed us was the creation of a bootable rescue USB drive, and this is available for the Free version as well as for the commercial version. Booting up from a bootable USB stick, Panda is able to remove even the most stubborn viruses, malware or spyware, keeping your computer clean and safe. And, also, as an alternative to the bootable USB drive rescue kit, Panda offers a Cloud Cleaner.
Better still, to act like a very light antivirus application, your files are analysed in the cloud and the application has access to the latest virus signatures.
Also, Panda Security has introduced the “Panda Account”, an area where users can download products, manage services, obtain important documentation and many more other options. Even thou this is more of a marketing initiative, it can be very useful.
Overall, the 3.0 edition is a very welcomed update and the addition of the scheduled scans, the creation of bootable USB drive rescue kit and network monitoring makes Panda Cloud Antivirus 3.0 a much more capable and useful security package. So, if you look for a simple, very lightweight and free antivirus combo, try the new Panda. It impressed us.