Other than allowing many users in a business for example, to access the same information, the cloud also benefits computer users by not hogging the machines running resources with un-required software.

One of the most resource hogging software applications of all is often the anti virus programme that is essential to any computer connecting to the internet.

So the latest product to be offered on the cloud should be of interest to us all – the cloud antivirus available from Panda will not only free up valuable resources over a conventionally installed software, it is also free to download!

With the ever increasing using of Wireless networks in public spaces, connections are quite often in a high risk zone for viruses. Young hipsters using their slimline PC laptops in coffee bars too often assume their computer’s safe, logging into internet banking accounts or otherwise. Because cafes and bars don’t often use the Wifi connection themselves, it merely serving as a marketing ploy to attract customers, antivirus products are usually outdated or nonexistent

Using out dated anti virus products that are not valid for regular updates is about as good as having no protection at all, and really there is no argument as there are a selection of free products available that will at least offer basic protection.

Like other free antivirus products, the Panda free offering offers the minimum level of security required to surf the net and is upgradeable to the ‘Pro’ version for a small cost. Essentially in either form the malware database is updated on a regular basis ensuring that your machine is always protected against the latest virus threats.

Computer virus’s are nothing new, possibly the first publicly documented removal of a computer virus in the wild was performed by Bernd Fix in 1987.

However, Fred Cohen, who published one of the first academic papers on computer viruses in 1984 started to develop strategies for antivirus software in 1988 that were picked up and continued by later antivirus software developers such as Kapersky and McAfee.

What is Cloud Technology?

In a nutshell, the advantage of hitching one’s business to ‘the cloud’ (in other words, to the Internet and existing servers) is that it eliminates the need as a business owner to install and run applications on your own or on a customer’s computer. Equally, the costly burden of maintenance and support is scrapped.

The cloud is a hugely attractive option because of its on-demand nature and the fact that it functions in real time.

Many of us are already using public clouds already, even just by having our archive of instant messages logged on Skype, Google Talk or on MSN. When you access them, you are using the cloud.

In business terms, getting access to the cloud tends to take the form either of pay-per-use or of subscription.

Secondly, many opt for a private cloud, but where savings are a significant factor in the decision, a Community Cloud is possibly a better choice. This way, the workload is shared among various customers. Costs are cut because the infrastructure is owned by the provider. There is no need, therefore, for it to be purchased for on-demand computing tasks initiated by the firm’s users.

A related benefit is that with the cloud comes easy adaptation to fluctuating user demands, the upside being that you do not need to install additional hardware or software. There are time-saving advantages too, simply because cloud technology kicks in faster than its traditional counterpart. A positive spin-off is fast recovery. Best of all, your team of employees have access to work-related data from any location.

The answer, therefore, to the question ‘Can the cloud save my business?’ is as follows: If clunky outmoded technology is holding you back and incurring unnecessary expenses are a burden on your business, then, yes, embracing cloud technology could save your business both money and time.