Why not all antiviruses are the same

When all is said and done, all antiviruses are frequently considered to be the same. Perhaps the most generalized idea is that the only difference between one antivirus and another is the number of viruses that each is capable of detecting.

However, this is not the case. The real difference between antiviruses is the protection that each one is able to provide. An antivirus must be able to provide the following:

• Protection of all entry points: the fundamental characteristic of an antivirus is the ability to protect all points through which a virus may infect a computer.

• Constant updates: for its own sake, an antivirus must be updated constantly since new viruses appear every day. Without a constant update service, an antivirus becomes obsolete and is no longer useful.

• Technical Support: unfortunately, the situations in which viruses are detected are usually the source of conflicts. At times, the virus is detected too late if the user does not have antivirus protection or has not kept it updated. Other times, the virus is detected on time, but the fear of the damage a virus can do causes the user great consternation. Finally, the third point for solving virus problems is having efficient technical support capable of responding to all virus-related problems. This support must be easily accessible around-the-clock in order to accomplish its goal: to help all those who, unfortunately, have encountered a virus.

Protection of all entry points

On this point, Panda Antivirus 6.0 offers the following:

• Permanent scan by means of a permanent program of all files which are accessed by the computer. This is an automatic and simple way to avoid the entry of infected files into the computer. It also avoids all operations using infected files, which for one reason or another, are already in the computer. This permanent scan also protects the computer against all possible viruses transmitted through a network.

• On-demand scan (at any time) of any area of the computer. Using this scan, any area of the computer may be scanned for viruses. It may seem unnecessary if permanent protection is also provided, but that is not the case. If, for whatever reason, the computer is infected, there must be a simple way to completely disinfect the system. The permanent protection program does not allow this, given that it would have to try to access every infected file. The on-demand scan also allows the scanning of all network drives.

• Permanent scan of the contents coming in via Internet (in SMTP, POP3, HTTP, FTP and NNTP protocols). This means that all incoming and outgoing e-mail messages will be automatically scanned regardless of the e-mail program being used. All files downloaded using HTTP and FTP protocols, as well as Java applets and ActiveX controls that may arrive with the HTTP protocol will also be scanned. Also in these cases, the scan will be independent of the search engine or FTP program being used. Lastly, it should be mentioned that all data sent to or received from newsgroups will be scanned in search of viruses.

• Permanent scan of all e-mail messages received through the Microsoft Outlook and Microsoft Exchange programs. This feature is presented apart from the permanent scan of electronic mail received from Internet, due to the fact that these two programs can receive e-mail from an Exchange server using different protocols. However, Panda Antivirus 6.0 is capable of carrying out permanent scans of all incoming or outgoing messages in these programs, regardless of the protocol.

• On-demand scan of any of the folders (where messages are stored) in the Microsoft Outlook Express, Microsoft Exchange and Microsoft Outlook programs. This allows you to scan all messages received or sent, even if they are prior to the installation of the antivirus.

• Permanent scan of all elements that form a part of a Lotus Notes system. This way, you will always be protected against potentially infected files included in databases or attached to mail messages, etc. This is just one of the permanent scan options offered by Panda Antivirus 6.0.

Constant update

On this point, Panda Antivirus 6.0 offers the following:

• 24-hour S.O.S. Virus service: with this service, Panda Software promises to provide a solution within 24 hours to any new virus not detected by even our latest antivirus.

• Daily updates via Internet: everyday, an updated version of our file of virus-detected identifiers is available on Internet. This file is updated with new viruses every day.

• A complete updated version of the antivirus via Internet: a complete version of the antivirus updated monthly is also available via Internet.

• Updates with home delivery: a completely updated version of the antivirus is sent to your home regularly, depending on the service chosen.

Technical support

One of the fundamental services offered by Panda Software is the technical support. It features the following characteristics:

• Available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The user can call at any time (only if you have Panda Antivirus 6.0 Platinum, as Panda Antivirus 6.0 Home Edition only comes with on-line support via e-mail) and have a highly qualified technician on the other end of the line ready to solve any virus-related problem.

• The technical support service can be contacted by telephone (only if you have Panda Antivirus 6.0 Platinum, as Panda Antivirus 6.0 Home Edition only comes with on-line support via e-mail), fax, e-mail, regular mail, or through our Web page.

Note: the 12h S.O.S. Virus and Home-delivered Updates services are available depending on the type of license purchased.