Update: Comodo has discontinued the standalone Cloud Scanner product and integrated it instead into the company’s Internet Security application.
Moving virus definitions and other core files into the cloud seems to be one of the latest trends in the software security industry.
The benefit of this approach is that it is easier, faster and more reliable to update data for all users who use the product opposed to the old way which only updated the user’s software if the new files and information were downloaded by the user.
The downside is that the program won’t work properly or even at all on devices without Internet connection.
Comodo Cloud Scanner appears to be a relative new product by Comodo. It combines malware scanning with checks for privacy issue, registry errors and junk file removals.
The program will find thousands of issues usually which can largely be attributed to temporary files that are reported either as privacy issues or junk files.
One of the biggest disappointments becomes apparent after the check finishes. There is no way to resolve the issues right away. That’s right. The only action that can be taken is to click on the Help me clean my PC button which will show a prompt to install Live PC Support on the computer system.
Live PC is apparently a service by Comodo that starts at $19.00 for a one time consultation or $49.00 for a yearly subscription. Included in the service are
- Virus Diagnosis
- Virus Removal
- PC Tune-up
- ID Theft Protection
- Email Account Setup
- Software Installation
- Printer Setup
- Printer Troubleshooting
- Green PC
- Computer Troubleshooting
The main question here is if anyone needs this service in its current stage. The answer has to be no unless you prefer to talk to a technician that walks you through the steps of cleaning your computer system.
Since there is no way of judging support without subscribing, it is unclear how good the advise really is.
There are programs out there that can perform a similar diagnosis of the system from the excellent CCleaner to free antivirus software like AVG.
It is still possible to download a copy of the retired program from software download sites, but it makes little sense as it won’t function properly anymore.