Win32 Virus Removal

The idea is simple. The client PC should not try to run all the software components to protect itself. There is no way it can do so effectively without putting a noticeable burden on resources.

Instead, why not build a backend system with unlimited storage and tons of distributed computing power, then let the client PC connect to it via the Internet?

Most anti-malware software that professes to be "low-impact" resorts to this, to some extent, but Prevx and Panda Security have made it their specialty. Unfortunately, Prevx does not offer a version that's free for personal use, other than to remove trivial adware, so that's why today we're focusing on Panda Cloud Antivirus Free Edition 1.0. If you are willing to pony up $35 per PC, Prevx is a serious contender in the cloud niche.

Cloud antivirus solutions are characterized by small installation packages. The download for Prevx 3.0, for example, is less than a megabyte. At over 20 MB, the download for Panda Cloud Antivirus is much larger, but installation is still very quick.

The software works by tapping into a two-way exchange between Panda's backend servers and the client component. Files already identified as threats in Panda's database are cleaned or quarantined immediately. Suspicious, but not known to be malicious files are watched closely and uploaded to the cloud for analysis. Reports say over 50,000 files per day are submitted for review.

This process is the essence of the cloud system. Removal instructions for newly-discovered threats are available as soon as they are devised and tested, and the discovery of new threats is ongoing. There is no delay to download signature files and no "update" button to press. When done right, cloud-based malware protection is an elegant search-and-destroy ecosystem.

Minimalists will love Panda's interface, which consists of only three buttons (Settings, Scan, and Reports.) The software goes to work immediately, cleaning existing infestations. In limited testing, however, I found Panda Cloud Antivirus Free Edition is much better at defending a pristine system than cleaning one that's already infected. Nevertheless, in the realm of free solutions, it's hard to beat.

My only other criticism is the software's insistence that you uninstall other security software before installing Cloud Antivirus Free Edition. One of things I like about Prevx 3.0 and SurfRight's Hit Man Pro (another popular cloud-based solution) is that you can use them in tandem with other security software and get "layered protection." 

I've never seen security software that was #1 at everything, so it's ill-conceived for Panda to insist on being the only game in town. This policy is a serious negative in my book, and something the company should reconsider.

Also, unlike AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition 9.0, Avira AntiVir, AVAST! Free Antivirus or other conventional free A-V solutions, Panda Cloud Antivirus requires a connection to the Internet at all times. It does afford some protection when you're offline, but the "Cloud" in its name is not just a moniker. To work effectively, the client must have access to its backend servers.

Nevertheless, if you're the type who refuses to pay for anti-virus/anti-spyware protection, Panda Cloud Antivirus Free Edition 1.0 is definitely worth a look. The software works with all recent versions of Windows, including Windows 7, x86 and x64.