Software Test: Panda Cloud Antivirus

Installation

Given the history, I think we can safely say that we have enough knowledge to start the installation. The process starts with downloading an 826 KB file, which of course does not yet include the entire application. By the way, the Hungarian-language installer fits exactly into the concept that guides us as well. Of course, as always, it’s worth taking a look at the license agreement. It is good to know that for the Free Edition, the license entitles the licensee to use the program for free in the following cases: 

• For computers with multiple home users (private use).
• For (unlimited) computers owned by NGOs or other non-profit organizations.
• For (unlimited) computers belonging to state-run schools. 

Panda may use data collection technology to collect technical data (including data related to suspicious files) to improve the program or product, tailor it to the user's needs, or prevent unlicensed or illegal use of the product or program. Finally, it should even be noted that the application is not intended for use in hazardous environments that require trouble-free operation. 

Before going into the installation process, be sure to reflect on the techniques used during testing. In reality, we tested the software on one configuration, but in theory on two configurations. Machine “B” covers a virtualized environment, and we also introduced some artificial deceleration: we fixed the operating frequency at 2,0 GHz with a processor execution limit, disabled a CPU core, and set the system memory size to 1 GB. With this, we wanted to simulate how Panda performs in a relatively more modest performance environment that can be said to be outdated in terms of software, the latter being understood for Windows XP.

The computer later referred to as “A” was running Windows 8, and here we have already enabled the full capacity of the Intel Celeron G530. Equipped with 4GB of system memory, the host naturally covered a crisp environment. Obviously, it would have been better to change the virtualized system to a real configuration (this was not possible now), however, we believe that we have made the most of the options available to us. Now we can really start.

As a second step in the installation, we need to decide if we need the Panda Security Toolbar. Since we’re not really a fan of toolbars, we didn’t ask for that.

Just one click separates us from the last phase, the program has been very clear and concise so far. The download and installation took about 2 minutes for the “B” configuration, and the “A” machine wasn’t much faster either, because the processor load didn’t reach 100 percent. The program did not require a restart, it registered with the Security Center without any problems under Windows XP, and the transition went smoothly even in a more modern environment: Windows Defender stopped automatically and was replaced by Panda. Cloud Antivirus required barely 100 MB of storage on both systems. At the end of the installation, we could have selected the Pro version.

The privacy shield ran in at the last minute, but what is it at all? After some research, it turned out that the protection appeared in the previous version, and in the current release it has already undergone refinements (it automatically allows licensed programs to access protected files and folders).

In our humble opinion, the Privacy Shield is related to User Account Control (UAC) and may therefore be highly recommended on Windows XP. By default, Panda protects Documents (Windows XP) and some major Windows-related folders (Windows 8), and Internet Explorer, Wordpad, Notepad, and Windows Media Player are allowed. In addition to protected folders, there are files to be protected (audio, image, office files, video), but these can be edited in the same way as folders. The shield is activated when an unknown application requests access to the items in question for some reason. If someone has already lost the yarn, watch the video below and it will be clear right away. 

Of course, the privacy shield can be turned off on demand.