Cloud Antivirus vs. PC Antivirus

In the cloud antivirus vs. PC antivirus debate, cloud is a term that tends to leave people without tech experience a bit confused. What is a cloud? How is it different from regular antivirus software? Why do I need it? These questions are normal and can be answered by breaking down the facts into easy-to-digest portions.

What is the Cloud?

In cloud antivirus vs. PC antivirus terms, a cloud, also known as a remote server, contains data that isn't stored on your computer. The data is stored on the internet through a host server so that it can be accessible to you no matter where you or your computer are in the world. Clouds also allow other users on your network to share information.

What is Cloud Antivirus Protection?

So, if a cloud is data floating out in cyberspace, then a cloud antivirus protection is the data that is used specifically to protect your computer from malicious attacks, even though the data is not physically on your computer. Your computer's information is run through a check outside of your actual system, in the host's infrastructure (the software company's server). This type of protection automates the detection of new viruses, protecting a computer much faster than pervious methods. For example, humans once had to test virus code themselves; now cloud technology does it automatically.

What is PC Antivirus Protection?

PC antivirus protection is different from cloud protection in that it is provided by software that you download or install. The software runs directly on your computer.

Cloud Antivirus vs. PC Antivirus: Is the Cloud Better than the PC?

In the cloud antivirus vs. PC antivirus comparison, there is no definitive winner. Some proponents say that the cloud approach is faster and updates itself much better than regular software. It also frees your CPU from being bogged down by lengthy malware searches and updates since the software isn't actually on the computer, making it a much better choice.

On the other hand, if your internet system breaks down, your computer may be left open to malware without any protection. Granted, most attacks happen while a computer is online, but having 24-hour protection no matter what you are doing is a comfort for many PC users.
Another argument for traditional antivirus software is that you need an incredibly fast DSL connection to use cloud technology. If you're using a wireless card, a dial-up internet connection or if you share your internet connection with others, a remote server is likely to falter.

Some skeptics foresee the possibility of new viruses created to block remote servers while attacking an unprotected computer. Talk like this has many consumers spooked.

Cloud Antivirus vs. PC Antivirus: What is the Best Solution?

Overall, both competitors in the cloud antivirus vs. PC antivirus battle have their limitations. Possibly the best solution to the cloud antivirus vs. PC antivirus quandary is incorporating both types of protection in one system. The cloud service would be the lightweight, highly intelligent internet security device, while the standard PC antivirus software could serve as a backup.

Some software has both types of protection built in. When purchasing remote-server protection, make sure that it has a backup system that saves the latest malware protection in a local cache on your computer so that it protects your PC even when you aren't connected to the cloud.

This combination is sure to protect you no matter what speed your internet connection is running at or how well your router is operating. In the cloud antivirus vs. PC antivirus debate, the combination of both is the only clear winner.

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