Panda Antivirus PRO 2012

User Interface

Much like its competitors installation is quick (a welcome advantage over prior versions). Upon completing the installation process, users should download any updates to the software.

The main window for Panda Antivirus Pro 2012 has a dark theme with simple colors that includes what appears to be a three dimensional theme, but it somewhat missed the mark compared to others. The primary options are listed similar to folder tabs across the top. The status tab clearly displays if the system is protected or if a potential threat exists. The statistics window displays the types of threats that have been blocked. Furthermore, the advanced statistics page also includes network and email threats. The scan tab allows users to schedule or manually initiate a quick, full or custom scan as well as a vulnerabilities scan.

Performance

The initial full scan of the system took just over 25 minutes while subsequent scans took just as long at an average of 20 minutes. Unfortunately, subsequent full scans take just as long since the software does not skip over safe programs that have previously been scanned. Quick scans of our system were incredibly fast compared to other antivirus software tested.

Panda Antivirus Pro 2012 successfully detected threats consisting of malware and rootkits during our tests. While it detected threats quite well, it did not perform well when asked to remove these threats, which was highly disappointing. The 2012 results were much like the 2011 results where detection was great, but removal underperformed at just above half of those detected.

It then only performed mediocre when accessing dangerous websites. Once again this was at the lower end of antivirus software tested.

Features

Two of the features we wanted to test with anticipation were the Firewall and the Safe Browser. The purpose of the firewall is to shield your computer from hackers who may try to attack or steal your information. The firewall was successful in blocking potential threats during Top Ten Authority's tests. Additionally, having reports notify you if a website is attempting an attack is great to know, so you can leave immediately.

The Safe Browser feature allows users to run a Firefox-based browser independently from the rest of the system. Its as if you were browsing with a separate machine. Just ensure that you select the size of the window correctly, because there is no way of changing it in the future. Safe Browser was a bit akward to operate, especially when compared to other antivirus software that offer a similar feature. By the way, this feature is free to the general public so its really not a bonus when purchasing this software.

Panda Antivirus Pro 2012 claims to protect music, photos and files from worms, Trojans, spyware, keyloggers, and various other threats through their antivirus, antiphishing, antispyware, antirootkit and antihacking protection. As such, instant messaging conversations and file sharing are safe from prying eyes. The software also protects from phishing emails which may carry harmful code.

Game mode, which is included in almost all new versions of antivirus software, works in the background and suppresses pop-ups during video game playing or when watching videos.

A feature seldom seen in antivirus software is the new Home Network Manager which ensures that all computers connected directly or wirelessly in your home have received the latest updates and are protected. This feature also allows the user to blacklist anything that seems questionable on the network.

Panda’s USB Vaccine suppresses the auto-run of any external devices conntected. This is a feature we think all security software should include since malware can spread to the system from external USB drives.

The software also includes the ability to create a rescue disk. Their Collective Intelligence network of users help keep protection up to date from emerging threats.

The virtual keyboard keeps personal and confidential data safe from hackers who may try to steal information by capturing your keystrokes through the keyboard.

Bottom Line

Panda Antivirus Pro 2012 includes a wide array of features. Most notably the firewall and home network management were a welcome addition. This software includes features that are normally included in much more expensive security suites.

During testing, detection of threats was acceptable, but unfortunately the actual removal of threats was disappointing. In short, your money is better spent in products ranked higher in Top Ten Authority's list of antivirus software.

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