Adware is a new “Bugger” for Computer Users: See PANDA GOLD!

Adware is a new headache for computer users. Before getting into Panda GOLD we provide a brief synopsis on what Adware is, and the basics of today’s malicious software that users should be aware of. Besides viruses and spyware the latest bother, especially to home computer users is Adware. Adware is software or scripts downloaded that present unsolicited advertisements of products and services. Have you ever went to a website and then suddenly your constantly getting pop-ups, new search options appearing for items, and links appearing everywhere ya go in presenting all kinds of products? Did you ever get a Banner advertisement ad appearing out of nowhere that simply won’t go away? If you experiencing this or similar items, or all of those things the chances are your computer is infected with some type of …adware.

Adware, while bothersome and hindering to your every day computer activities at times, is mostly non-destructive. Adware is not technically a virus, and it is not technically spyware. Adware is software that runs on the users computer presenting all kinds of unsolicited (unrequested) advertisements.  Pop-ups specifically… is not adware just as a Pop-up blocker not an anti-virus program. However, Adware can implement (and often does) pop-ups that are unwanted.  Adware is generally fairly non-destructive as we pointed out, but it is bothersome and it can be a bugger to get rid of. Avoiding getting infected with adware is the best bet in saving the user time and unwanted work in trying to remove it. See the general differences between various types of unwanted software below before we discuss Panda GOLD.

A. Virus – A software program that attaches itself to a file in order to change, harm, erase something, or to perform an action on your computer. In order for a virus to operate it must attach itself to something in your operating system.

B. Spyware – A software program that attaches itself to your computer’s files or runs in memory with the primary intent of monitoring the users activities, and/or to collect information on the user.

C. Adware – Software that attaches itself to your operating system files or personal files in order to present advertisements, or introduce new (often paid) services to the user.

D. Worm – A program that does not need to attach itself to another program, but can function all on it’s own (unlike a virus). It replicates and worms itself deeper into a network or deeper into your operating system, or both.

*Malware – Malware is technically considered “malicious software” that intends to do harm to the computer or intrudes on the computers/users activities in some regard. ***Often “malware” is generically referred to all of the above (viruses, spyware, adware, rootkits, worms, backdoor programs, harmful scripts etc. Any software programs or scripts that are deceptive or harmful).

Now that we know the differences we wish to fill you in candidly in that we have thoroughly reviewed and monitored the last major anti-virus/Internet Security software programs within the last three years on various machines with various operating systems. They are as follows: Kaspersky, Norton, Macafee, Trend, Panda, AVG (Free and Paid version) Malware Bytes (paid version) and Webroot.  We rated them based on three core components. They are as follows: Protection, Ease of Use, Foot Print (as well as how much they bog or do not bog your computer down).

Without going into detail, in saving you time in reading, the three we do ..not.. recommend are McAfee, AVG Free Version and Webroot. In short: Macafee was quite inadequate in protecting against viruses. AVG was prone to hacking, and was suspect to viruses but not nearly as bad as Macafee. Webroot did more harm than good. It actually caused more problems than it did protect the operating system from viruses. We do NOT recommend those three software programs.

The other’s we mentioned are fine. The only minor issue is that Norton 360 can be a bit too resource intensive (meaning it bogs the system down at times before allowing it to run as it should). Other than that, the other versions of Norton proved themselves adequate.  The two *shining stars are Panda and Trend. Panda has a fantastic version of Internet Security Software that can go on three devices including Windows Computers, Macintosh Computers, Android phones, Apple Phones,  ipads and android based tablets. It is called Panda GOLD and you can get it for under $100.00. It installs and runs on a total of three devices for this price for one year ( a good price).

*Panda Gold 3 device can be used on only one Apple/Macintosh Computer per 3 device license.

Panda Gold uses BOTH of the main anti-virus detection methods (as a quality anti-virus program should).

1. Standard Anti-Virus Signature scanning in looking for viral signatures (snooping through the code of programs looking for bits and pieces that is associated with select viruses). Your anti-virus program (AV program) uses virus definitions it downloads from the manufactures website as a local data-base to use in the comparison.

2. It also uses Virus Behavioral Heuristic Protection, meaning the software looks for unusual activity that is usually is associated with how viruses act such as installing in multiple locations, attaching itself to other unrelated files, evading scans, rooting itself in system files, taking over a critical file called the hosts file etc.

Why we really like Panda GOLD:

– Not only does Panda automatically scan new programs and software that is installing and running in looking for viral signatures (which is the most common form of viral detection) it also works heuristically … in determining whether the program is acting as a virus or malicious program would. Double the protection.

– Panda provides users 24/7 phone support and if your operating system does happen to get infected (which it shouldn’t…but no system is immune to infections) while you have the subscription Panda will remove the virus at no charge. They usually access your computer via remote assistance and pull it out within a few hours.

–Panda GOLD uses software to give the user additional protection when buying things online. Panda also protects when logging into websites, filling out forms, when using social media websites such as Facebook, Google+ or Twitter and it protects when both accessing and opening email. Protection afainst viruses, spyware, adware, rootkits, trojans, backdoor programs .. and all malicious software entities or snooping programs.

–Panda protects when browsing the Internet in going from website to website.

– Panda installs fast, easy, and is very LIGHTWEIGHT meaning it runs quietly in the back ground on Windows (XP and above), Macintosh, and Portable Android Devices.  It’s footprint (what resources is needed to run the program) is very minimal. Panda requires only 128 MB of Ram (about 1/10 of 1 GB). 275 MB of disc space (that’s just over 1/2 a GB) and basically any standard desktop processor developed within the past 13 years. Panda runs very quietly, and smoothly.. so quiet you’ll forget it’s there…which is a sign of a well crafted Antivirus/ Security program.

*Panda Gold has a special safe mode disinfect component in case your cell phone is out of minutes with no access to Panda Support. It is used in emergency situations when you can’t use a phone or the Internet to contact a Panda Technician to remove the infection. Safe Mode is a special mode that only utilizes what is necessary to an operating system in order to get it up and running. Safe mode uses only the most basic set of drivers to do such. No extra’s… and nothing fancy in Safe Mode… only what is needed to get the PC booted and to the Operating Systems desktop.  You’ve probably saw it (looks like your operating system with generic, standard video) or heard of it. At any rate you can even lend this particular Safe Mode Disinfect component in Panda Gold to whoever you like if their PC is also infected. See how to do that after you download it in the readme.txt file that comes with the program. Now  THAT is awful nice for high end software company to allow. .

Panda GOLD, like most anti-virus programs is a yearly subscription for up to three devices (up to three PC’s are allowed but only one Macintosh computer is permitted in the equation. Ipads, and iphones can also be included in the three license/device equation up to three of either of those specific Apple Products). It is a solid protector, runs smooth and quietly, and is easy to install and maintain. Panda includes excellent 24/7 phone and Internet support for problems , while guaranteeing their product in removing an infection at no charge IF it occurs all through your subscription period (which it doesn’t in the majority of situations). At under $100.00 you get complete, yet quiet protection, some nice additives that are USEFUL.. nothing unnecessary (such as a nice synch component that updates and saves your photos and videos across all your devices). With what  your getting and the quality of the product the price is right. LatestBuzz.info  seriously recommends Panda Gold if your current antivirus program is about to expire or your looking for something that suites your computer a little better.

Check out Panda GOLD on sale at Amazon for under $100.00 for up to three devices in the link below:

Panda Gold Protection – 3 PC [Download] with additional specs

Posted by Latest Buzz - on Jun 3 2014. Filed under Ratings/Reviews, Technology. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry