Remote Security

The trick is that Panda Cloud Antivirus is based on so called cloud computing, and is only partially installed on your system and keeps core files on a dedicated server on the Internet. Thanks to this special cloud structure, Panda Cloud Antivirus doesn't have to be manually updated. You can simply forget about complicated configurations and having to download new signature files!

The cloud-based functionality doesn't mean you remain unprotected when disconnected from the network: Panda Cloud Antivirus features a local cache that keeps the program up and running, working at 100%.

Analysis

Panda Cloud Antivirus features two types of analysis: Optimized scan – which presumably analyzes the most important areas in the system, though you can’t know for sure – and Other scans, where you can select specific folders and files to be analyzed. The program includes a behavioral analysis and blocking system that detects suspicious actions typically found in malware. Another nice feature in Panda Cloud Antivirus is the USB vaccine tool, which protects your computer from potentially dangerous files in USB portable memory devices.

Though Panda Cloud Antivirus can’t be scheduled to run automatic scans and doesn’t include filters for web or email, it’s still a perfectly valid antivirus for netbooks and low-spec computers.

Conclusion

Panda Cloud Antivirus is a lightweight, simple to use antivirus tool that keeps your system safe without nagging you with messages and updates.

Download Panda Cloud Antivirus 2.2 Free in Softonic

Like many other security apps, the installation of AVG Internet Security is quite long. The installer downloads the 123 MB application file, and also requires you to uninstall any other security apps present on your system – even if they’re also an AVG product. This is understandable though, as AVG Internet Security includes pretty much everything you need to stay safe while browsing the web. Also, bear in mind that unless you choose the custom installation option, the program will change your homepage and install the AVG browser bar.

Once AVG Internet Security is finally installed in your system, and after the usual system restart, you’re presented with an easy, clear interface, with icons that take you to the program’s functions. Some of the tools included in AVG Internet Security are an antivirus, an antispyware, scanners for links and email (including an anti-spam tool), two special security shields (Online for web activity and Resident for local active processes), an anti-rootkit app and a special tool to protect your identity online.

AVG Internet Security includes also an extensive configuration menu so that you can easily adapt the program to your needs. It may take a while, but it’s worth the effort.

With AVG Internet Security you’ll be protected against all sorts of online threats and dangers.

Download AVG Internet Security 2013 2013.0.3343 (32 bits) in Softonic

Features

avast! Free Antivirus is loaded with tons of features. From the home tab you can gain quick access to your system status, virus scan, software updater, stats, and the market. Features like the firewall and SafeZone require a premium subscription.

The software updater that's included with avast! Free Antivirus alerts users about outdated applications that are installed but only offers a link to the program page to download the latest update. Paying for a premium subscription will allow you to update your apps within the application. There's even an option to update automatically in the paid versions of avast!

avast! Free Antivirus offers more than just virus protection. The application also includes "cloud services," which gathers information from other avast! users to compare the reputation of similar files. These updates are constantly streamed to and from avast! so users don't have to worry about downloading updates.

New to avast! Free Antivirus is the Market where you can purchase additional features and services. The app itself is very good at reminding users how many features are missing so the Market makes it even more tempting to upgrade. Purchases can be made directly inside the application.

Usability

Using avast! Free Antivirus is very straightforward. Features and sections of the application are clearly marked with short explanations about what each feature does.

Like with many other antivirus applications, the amount of options and features is a little overwhelming. There are icons in the Security tab that are clearly marked with a green status light indicating everything is working as it should. This makes it easy to see what parts of the application require user action.

For the most part, avast! Free Antivirus is an application that you can configure and forget about. The program will display a popup if anything needs your action.

Quality

avast! Free Antivirus is well designed with tons of features. While it's not as simple as it could be, it works well and is completely free. It's nice that avast! Free Antivirus doesn't include an annoying tool bar, but it does install a web extension to monitor malicious links while you're browsing.

While avast! Free Antivirus excels as an antivirus application, it doesn't do much in the way of being a one-stop-shop for all your computer maintenance needs. Other apps like IObit's Advanced Systemcare with Antivirus offer more features that will make sure your computer is running its fastest.

Scans were performed quickly but not the best we've seen. This really depends on your hardware and how many files you have on your computer.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, it's easy to see what avast! Free Antivirus remains at the top of our download charts. The amount of features that free users have access to is amazing. While it's annoying that the app nags you to upgrade to a paid subscription, it's a small price to pay for a well designed antivirus solution that's completely free. Now if only avast! could include some computer maintence features.

What's new

Download avast! Free Antivirus 8.0.1489 in Softonic

The potential dangers of Internet are not limited to viruses transmitted via e-mail or Trojans hidden inside suspicious programs. They can be also on any website you visit.

To avoid being infected by online spyware or fall under an unexpected phishing attack, you can use AVG LinkScanner. This security tool is actually one more component of the AVG Antivirus software, only that you can now install and use it as an independent, standalone app.

AVG LinkScanner analyzes websites before you open them and blocks you out if it finds any sign of potential danger. It can also detect phishing scams and stop the installation of fake plug-ins from untrusted websites. The program offers to install its own toolbar on your browser (either Firefox or Internet Explorer) but it's not really necessary, as it only includes a couple of buttons and a Yahoo!-branded search field.

AVG LinkScanner scans websites, links and search results in real time, and I must say it runs very smoothly. It doesn't hog resources nor slow down your browsing speed. It works fine along with other security tools, though it's obviously not a replacement for your antivirus or firewall.

The only thing I didn't like about AVG LinkScanner is that it's overly linked to Yahoo! search. Either if you say no to using the Yahoo! search engine – which is offered during the installation – you still have it on the toolbar.

With AVG LinkScanner you can be sure you're safely browsing the Web, away from phishing attacks, spyware and other online threats.

Download AVG LinkScanner 2013.0.2897 in Softonic

With the antivirus market crowded by giants like AVG and Avast, ZoneAlarm has to differentiate itself. ZoneAlarm Free Antivirus + Firewall does just that by giving users two of the most important security features in one simple to use program.

Features

ZoneAlarm Free Antivirus + Firewall includes many powerful features for both their antivirus and firewall. There is real-time protection against viruses, as well as auto updating definitions and scheduling. ZoneAlarm Free Antivirus + Firewall will only check for new definitions once every 24 hours, while its paid versions will update as soon as new definitions are available.

ZoneAlarm Free Antivirus + Firewall's firewall features a log of the different programs that are accessing the internet. The firewall will also give users a list of programs and their "Trust Level," which is a good way to quickly glance at suspicious applications. There is also phishing and spyware protection built in.

One surprising feature of ZoneAlarm Free Antivirus + Firewall is "Game Mode," which allows you to temporarily suspend ZoneAlarm's popup notifications for uninterrupted gaming. Users can also set it to allow all firewall requests, which is obviously less secure.

Performance

Performance of ZoneAlarm Free Antivirus + Firewall is very good. Quick scans take only a few minutes. Full scans will take some time but are still an improvement over older ZoneAlarm programs. The speed increase is a result of a redesigned scanning engine. Still, we found ZoneAlarm Free Antivirus + Firewall to be resource intensive on our system and slowed our boot times down. Competiting antivirus applications were quicker and less resource heavy.

Conclusion

While other programs have more advanced features, ZoneAlarm has successfully combined two of the most important security features for the average user and all for free. This makes it a very useful program for virtually anyone needing this type of protection.

ZoneAlarm Free Antivirus + Firewall is a comprehensive application that provides basic firewall and antivirus features for the average user.

Download ZoneAlarm Free Antivirus + Firewall 57 in Softonic

New for 2013 is a completely redesigned interface with tons of additional features that make it a holistic security suite for your PC. Antivirus is still at the heart of Panda Antivirus Pro but it also includes a firewall, USB 'vaccine,' multimedia/gaming mode, and safe browser.

The interface of Panda Antivirus Pro has been completely redesigned since the last version with a focus on making it easy to read and use. Functions are now big, colorful icons and the most vital information is presented at the top with charts and large text. Menus and their explanations have also been simplified so you know exactly what each feature does.

New in Panda Antivirus Pro 2013 is the USB vaccine, which prevents malicious software from automatically running when connected to the computer. This is a pretty basic way to prevent infections from external devices but useful, nonetheless.

Performance of the application is good with quick scans and consumes minimal system resources. Panda Antivirus Pro focuses on creating an unobtrusive security experience and it succeeds on the most part. You can set up Panda and just forget about it. It will run in the background and will only alert you if an infection is found or if you need to take action. The firewall replaces the Windows default firewall and has the ability to allow connections from common applications. You'll have to decide whether to give an app that hasn't been white listed internet access.

When tested against standardized virus attacks, Panda Antivirus Pro stopped infected files immediately and without major interruption of our work. We especially liked the fact the Panda Antivirus Pro doesn't fill up the screen with unnecessary warnings all the time.

Panda Antivirus Pro is an unobtrusive, efficient and user-friendly antivirus app that protects your system without needless interruptions.

Download Panda Antivirus Pro 2013 in Softonic