Panda Internet Security 2008
Many users easily dismiss Panda Internet Security 2008 as being no different from last year's version. But if you look closely, you'll find that the 2008 version now includes Wi-Fi security and backup and performance tuning. The 2008 version also has Panda's TruPrevent technology, which is the company's behavior-based protection mechanism designed to detect threats that cannot be identified by signature.
Below is a brief discussion of some of the things you can expect from the Panda Internet Security 2008 program.
Features
Panda Internet Security 2008 boasts of many features such as firewall, anti-virus, anti-spyware, anti-phishing, identity protection, parental control, anti-spam, backup, TotalScan Pro, and TruPrevent technology. The firewall feature of the 2008 version is sufficiently capable of protecting your computer from harmful intrusions, but the feature's settings may be quite difficult for new users to configure.
Fortunately, the default firewall configuration is relatively sufficient for most users and doesn't need a lot of tweaking - except maybe for those who frequently use P2P connections and online gaming applications.
The anti-virus and anti-spyware configuration settings can be found under one tab, making it easy for you to customize and select the computer locations and areas you want to scan, along with the frequency with which you want them scanned and analyzed0.
If you don't have the time to customize these settings or simply don't want to bother doing so, don't worry because there are default settings that are programmed to provide your computer with optimal protection from viruses and malware.
Panda Internet Securtiy 2008 also has an email scanner. The downside, however, is that it only works with Microsoft Outlook and Outlook Express, leaving other email clients such as Yahoo, Hotmail, AOL, Gmail, and Mozilla Thunderbird unprotected. Panda's anti-spyware feature is also convenient to use.
Aside from detecting trojans, bots, keyloggers, browser hijackers, and other threats, the anti-spyware feature also gives users the option of sending warning messages to a specific email address. This is useful if you want to ensure your computer is protected even when you're away, or to keep track of the security updates and alerts on your kids' computers.
Installation and Setup
Whereas other Internet security programs lack parental control and tight security settings, Panda Internet Security 2008 allows you to set passwords in the configuration settings of the application. This prevents your kids and anyone else in the household from altering the configuration and security options you've set for your computer.
Panda Internet Security 2008 also allows you to set up a Web filter and customize the security and configuration settings for each specific user. Panda 2008 has preset filters such as Teen, Kid, Employee, and Default, which have been pre-programmed to impose restrictions on certain online content.
Not to worry though, you can still further adjust these preset filters to block specific websites and content. A downside to this filter and security option is that the accounts will not follow your current Windows accounts - you'll have to create another user name and password to access the Internet with the corresponding restrictions you've set.
User Interface
The main screen interface shows the updates and status of your laptop or computer in four different software applications: Unwanted Content Filters, Security Protection, Optimization and Backup Copies, and Subscription Updates. The Panda Internet Security 2008's interface also uses a light indicator to show if your PC is under any malware threats.
Another good thing about the Panda 2008 is that you can easily view the scanning statistics and reports from the main screen. Statistics are also displayed in an easy-to-read format (in the form of a pie chart) to make the scanning results easily understandable to users who are not that computer-savvy.
The downside to the interface is that while the main screen is informative and easy to navigate, the configuration setup is quite complicated and troublesome. You have to click through various layers of menus first before you can get to the main configuration settings page.
Weighing the pros and cons, Panda Internet Security is still one of the optimal Internet security products you'll find in the market. Depending on where you buy it, the Panda Internet Security 2008 package can cost from $8 to $35.