TV with DVR & Internet: $89.90/mo
Entered CNET Catalog: 11/09/2002
SKU: BPP7
Manufacturer: Panda Software
Manufacturer description
Panda Antivirus Platinum 7.0 detects and eliminates all types of viruses, Trojan horses, worms, malicious ActiveX controls and Java applets. Thanks to its advanced technology, it is effective against new, unknown viruses. Install it and prevent any nasty surprises when sending and receiving e-mails, downloading files or working on the Internet. Your information is important! Panda Antivirus Platinum 7.0 incorporates a latest generation firewall that stops hackers from destroying, stealing or corrupting your information, turning your computer into a fortress against Internet threats, keeping data in and unwanted viruses out. No distractions! Panda Antivirus Platinum 7.0 discreetly utilizes your Internet connection to automatically incorporate new updates against new viruses. This process is fast and transparent, so you can continue to work without distractions. And don't forget that all registered Panda Software clients have access to daily automatic updates against viruses. Your time is money! Panda Antivirus Platinum 7.0 respects the normal working functions of your computer while its ultrafast engine exhaustively scans and disinfects the entire system. Platinum 7.0 will keep your information safe and you won't even notice it's there. Why complicate things? Let Panda Antivirus Platinum 7.0 take care of all your security needs: it scans and eliminates viruses automatically, protects your information, updates daily… and you won't have to lift a finger.CNET editors' review
- Editors' Choice: No
- Reviewed on: 11/20/2002
Installation and interface
Panda Antivirus is easy to install, whether you use the installation CD-ROM or download the program. We chose the latter route and transferred the 29MB setup file to our test PC in minutes. Setup involves little effort from you; when it's up and running, Panda loads a mini icon in the Windows System Tray.
Oddly, during setup, Panda scans only your system memory for viruses--not your hard drive. By comparison, both Norton and McAfee automatically scan both the memory and hard drives. Like its competitors, though, Panda does conduct a full system scan immediately following setup. In our test, the scan took 26 minutes, performance that's on a par with initial scans by Norton and McAfee.
Panda automatically installs and configures its built-in firewall but also allows you to disable the firewall if you choose. Like McAfee's firewall (Norton doesn't include one), Panda creates a list of installed programs that require Internet access and doesn't attempt to block them thereafter. Surprisingly, in our test, Panda failed to include America Online in this list of programs. However, it's easy to correct such an oversight, using a pop-up menu that appears whenever Panda first denies a program access to the Net.
Panda's redesigned interface makes it a breeze to change default settings. To change the mail-protection settings, for instance, simply click the Panda icon and check the appropriate boxes on the subsequent screens. It's also just as easy to schedule scans by following the Scan Wizard's step-by-step instructions.
Feature set
Once Panda detects a virus, it eradicates the viral intruder without pestering you. Norton works the same way, whereas McAfee seeks your consent before taking action. We prefer the automated method, so Panda gets high marks in this category. As with Norton and McAfee, Panda allows you to reconfigure its detection settings to block, delete, clean, or quarantine infected files.
Panda's e-mail scanner works with SMTP and POP3 clients--but not AOL--which means that it scans incoming and outgoing mail for rogue code in most popular e-mail programs, such as Microsoft Outlook, Outlook Express, and Eudora. Panda's on-demand scanning feature also examines e-mail folders, like McAfee and Norton.
Panda loads with Windows and runs in the background, monitoring downloads and files as they're opened. It automatically downloads viral signatures without your input but always posts a screen detailing its activities. Like McAfee, Panda scans ZIP files as they're downloading to your PC, but you have to change the default settings to activate this feature.
Performance
In CNET Labs' performance tests, Panda Antivirus Platinum 7.0 is comparable to Norton in scanning speed, the amount of time it takes to search your PC for viruses, yet it takes a significant toll on overall PC performance, more so than either McAfee or Norton. To measure Panda Antivirus Platinum 7.0's impact on system performance, CNET Labs used BAPCo's SysMark2002, an industry-standard benchmark. The Internet Content Creation portion of SysMark measures a desktop's performance running off-the-shelf applications, such as Adobe Photoshop, Microsoft Windows Media Encoder, and Macromedia Dreamweaver. (We did not run the Office Productivity portion of the benchmark because it incorporates McAfee VirusScan 5.13.)
Our test system was a Compaq Evo W4000 running Windows XP Professional with an Intel P4 2.4GHz processor and 512MB of DDR RAM. With Panda Antivirus Platinum 7.0 running, our test system scored a dismal 81--a 19 percent reduction in overall system speed. In comparison, McAfee VirusScan 7.0 scored a 97, only a 3 percent reduction in system speed, and Norton AntiVirus 2003 scored a 95, or a 5 percent reduction. (An Internet Content Creation score of 100 represents the performance of our test system without any extraneous software running.) In a test of scanning speed, Panda's 3.1 minutes tied with NAV 2003's time, while VirusScan 7.0 remains our speed champ at 1.7 minutes.
Unfortunately, Panda's virus-blocking performance is a mixed bag. To determine whether the program effectively blocks viruses, we examined its past performance in tests conducted by independent antivirus-testing laboratories. In the latest Virus Bulletin tests, Panda earned the coveted VB 100 percent rating only once in its four most recent attempts, having failed three of the Windows tests. By comparison, Norton AntiVirus won all of its tests, and McAfee VirusScan won its only test during that same period.
However, Panda performed as well as Norton and better than McAfee in live virus tests conducted by German AV-Test.org. Previous versions of Panda have also been certified by the independent antivirus-testing laboratories at West Coast Checkmark and ICSA Labs.
Technical support
Hopefully, your method of choice for product help will be either via Web or e-mail because Panda doesn't offer phone support--not even for a fee. Norton and McAfee offer phone support, though it's expensive in both cases. Panda tech support answered our e-mail queries within 24 hours, on a par with the response time from the competition. We particularly liked Panda's support wizard, which steps you through the process of creating a tech query. The program's help section includes a handy FAQ, as well as direct links to Panda's support site.
Panda Antivirus Platinum 7.0 is a fine virus killer with a clean, uncomplicated interface. It's a good choice for users upgrading from version 6.0, although the $59.95 upgrade price is steep, and upgrades from earlier versions cost $69.95--the same price paid by new customers. However, if you want to keep the antivirus signature files up-to-date, they'll cost anywhere from $7 per month to $108 dollars for 36 months of coverage. Ouch! If you're new to antivirus software, you're better off buying Norton AntiVirus 2003 or McAfee VirusScan 7.0, both of which offer slightly superior scanning tools and better support options.
Panda's Home screen is easy to navigate and nonthreatening for novices.
User opinions
Select a User Opinion to view: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43
User Rating: 
1/10
Downloaded product did not protect me from conficker
Pros: Nothing when it does not protect you from the viruses out there.
Cons: After rebuilding my PC from scratch. I installed the Panda security software and was blown away when my PC got infected again!
User Rating: 
3/10
Do not use this software
Pros: easy to use
Cons: messes with the computer that is utilizing the software
I tried to do a "system restore" to a point before I used their software and I cannot do it. Somehow this software locked me out of doing that.
It also no longer works with windows 98/ME - they just dropped that without notice.
User Rating: 
4/10
No Support, weak Knowledge base
Pros: Good when it works
Cons: Too Unstable
User Rating: 3/10
Not at all good
Pros: None that I have found
Cons: Please read my opinion
User Rating: 3/10
blocks WinXP restore points
Pros: cute Panda icon???
Cons: blocks restore points, won't uninstall
BUT...
This, of course, restored Panda as well. After some additional testing decided to go to an even older restore point, but now Panda won't uninstall. It also won't let me reinstall Panda. Also haven't been able to get rid of it using Norton tools.
So now WinXP system restore is totally hosed in addition to Panda installation. Luckily, my first step was to Ghost my starting point. Hopefully, Panda won't block restoring my Ghost image!
User Rating: 
9/10
it works perfect and i have the product
Pros: it works great on detecting viruses
Cons: it doesnt detect spyware or adware its not suppose to
User Rating: 4/10
Fair product - auful services - disruptive to OS
Pros: Seems to catch the virus
Cons: poor customer service and not good a adaware removal
Malware was not removed despite repeated attempts.
Customer service seems to be an oxymoron for Panda. It would 3-4 business days to get a written response - each contact was from a different technician who failed to read the history of the problem.
After months of trying to get the product to work, I gave up. I decied to reformated my pc to start with a fresh computer. I will not reload Panda and am now deciding between pc-cillin and zonealarm.
User Rating: 4/10
Wont touch again.
Pros: Finds virus's and spyware, when it works it does it well.
Cons: Program falls over and gets corrupted, asks to be re-installed, needs to be uninstalled first. wont uninstall though!!!!
User Rating: 
8/10
Very goo AV Program
Pros: I love it. I work in a Computer Bus. and I install it on every Machine I work on
Cons: Registration can sometimes be a problem.
User Rating: 8/10
I had no problems with it but with 2005 i have problems
Pros: does not slow pc down like norton! removes practicle all viruses ive had (and thats a lot) not like norton who asked me if i want to ignore them in the future!! Nice working and not hard to use firewall
Cons: like all other antivirus having problem stopping adaware with trojans in them so trojan remover and adware remover program is a must to have to combine with
User Rating: 3/10
Hope for no problems
Pros: Good scanner
Cons: Uninstalling ruins our machine! You better hope you never need to uninstall or you will lose your machine for good! Dont bother trying for tech support.. it doesnt exist.
User Rating: 9/10
The best antivirus software
Pros: Scans my entire system very fast. NAV2004 takes more then txice the time. Found viruses NAV2004 didn't find.
Cons: none
User Rating: 
6/10
cannot remove it, update problems
Pros: It works ok, gets the job done
Cons: I tried to unistall it as I found AVG better, but I cannot. It gives me an error if I try to uninstall or delete its files. It gives me ab 5 pup up errors everytime I boot. I cannot reinstall Panda over, it gives me error. I tried Safe mode, didn't work.
User Rating: 
5/10
Lousy tech Support
Pros: Picked up some new virus' which my Norton missed previously. Faster than Norton.
Cons: Discontinued my updates on its own after a month. Took two weeks thru tech support to get a new acct and PW. Still does not update (Incorrect account or PW). On line site is designed to prevent email contact and the knowledge base solutions are basic a
User Rating: 9/10
Does have phone support!!!
Pros: Check the website for Panda. You will find a US phone number and an international number for product support and the people there are very helpful and friendly. They rate an A-plus. I hope that they keep on top of the Antivirus companies. I feel confi
Cons: If you need to uninstall, the directions they send to you for full uninstall are difficult, especially if you are a novice.
User Rating: 
7/10
Better than the big names.
Pros: Overall, better than McAfee and Norton.
Cons: Doesn't show the location of the attcker.
User Rating: 6/10
UNINSTALL - OMG
Pros: try the demo but cant uninstall it..i have to do it the hard way(delete the files and delete the registry manually). Just stick with Norton System Works..
Cons: try the demo but cant uninstall it..i have to do it the hard way(delete the files and delete the registry manually). Just stick with Norton System Works..
User Rating: 4/10
A Poor attempt at copying McAfee
Pros: McAfee copy so it has a familiar interface.
Cons: Much harder to configure and can cause loss of internet connection in some, if not all cases. I've seen this happen in many just such cases and, although it can be fixed eventually, I prefer not to put the effort into an obviously inferior product.
User Rating: 
10/10
Outdated copy detected the Sasser, where my updated Norton's let it in...
Pros: I had let it expire on my home PC for over 3 months, but it still blocked the Sasser virus!!! Great Job! My new IBM laptop came with Norton's tool, but it had expired about a week before the sasser jumped in and did its job...The Sasser virus also got t
Cons: It expires once a year...
User Rating: 7/10
easy to use and effective
Pros: I had norton internet security, which failed to find a virus that crashed my system. I reinstalled windows on a new hard drive. Got the trial panda and it found the virus on the old hard drive running as a slave, which norton missed as well as twenty ot
Cons: support is skimpy
User Rating: 8/10
Easy Cheesy Spani-sheezee?
Pros: Less intrusive than other large antivirus offerings. Does its job well.
Cons: Some known bugs exist.
User Rating: 8/10
Best Buy I've Made in a While
Pros: -Never know its there, it barely touches the system resources. -Used on a XP and 98SE machine without a hiccup from either -Caught several viruses and cleaned them (I had a problem with Norton 2000 a few years ago finding a virus, but not doing anything
Cons: Can be pricey if your dumb enough to buy the retail version, tons of web sites sell the oem version for like $10.
User Rating: 9/10
Install and forget...
Pros: I've been using Panda antivirus for several years now. I've not had a single virus make it out of my email and onto the computer. It performs daily updates, silently in the background (with an always on connection). Only once has it ever not been able
Cons: Pricey.
User Rating: 6/10
I found it to be a good product, but
Pros: Easy to set up and use, nothing scary here.
Cons: I didn't like the firewall. It doesn't give you the ability to cut stop internet access quickly, and allows popups, banner ads, etc. THEN I TRIED TO UNINSTALL IT!! NO MATTER WHAT I DID, I COULDN'T GET RID OF AN "UNABLE TO LOAD" ERROR MESSAGE WHEN I STARTE
User Rating: 9/10
Panda 7.0 Works great for me !!!
Pros: Installs fast & simple, doesn't slow down system performance, doesn't screw up system settings - even installed it on 2 radically different systems & it works great. Had PC-cillin before and PC-cillin is the absolute worst !
Cons: Price is a little high.
User Rating: 9/10
Panda Found What Norton Misses
Pros: After Norton missed a virus that resulted in deleted files, I tried Panda and it found a number of "bad things" that Norton never saw. Norton may do weekly updates, but Panda does DAILY!
Cons: Support
User Rating: 9/10
Total protection with a low key presence
Pros: Effective. Stealthy performance. Automatic updates. Firewall seems as effective as McAfee's. Support is fine if you use email and the internet (which I hope is the case if you're buying this software). 7.0 much less confusing than 6.0. 6.0 stopped sev
Cons: Works great once it's installed. Downloading issues if download version file is opened rather than saved. Price is higher than competition but still reasonable when you consider the alternative.
User Rating: 1/10
Year Has 365 Dias (Days)
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User Rating: 5/10
Never ever tried this product
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User Rating: 9/10
Antivirus at its best
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User Rating: 9/10
Better that Norton & McAfee
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User Rating: 7/10
Service only L. Ron Hubbard could Give...
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User Rating: 7/10
Platinum is very good.
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User Rating: 3/10
Decent Software... Terrible Marketing/Service/Price
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User Rating: 7/10
Panda has a promising future!
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User Rating: 7/10
Best for less
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User Rating: 8/10
Smooth as a kitten.
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User Rating: 8/10
Does Much beter than Norton
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User Rating: 7/10
Dismal customer service!!
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User Rating: 7/10
Overpriced! That's why I don't recommend it.
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User Rating: 5/10
Not worth the effort.
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User Rating: 8/10
YOU JUST CANNOT REMOVE IT
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User Rating: 10/10
works great,poor review given
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