PITTSBURGH -- A new free antivirus software was launched Wednesday as a threat that supposedly fizzled earlier this month is thought to be alive and well.

Spain-based Panda Security has unveiled its "Cloud Antivirus," which is free for users to download.

Instead of storing information on a user's computer, the software does its monitoring from a distant server.

"I believe the 'Cloud' computing is the wave of the future," said Pittsburgh-based ZEO Technologies President Chris DiNardo.

DiNardo believes the new Panda software has great potential, but could have some kinks in its early stages that still need worked out.

"I wouldn't hop on the bandwagon right away. If you have an antivirus solution that you're happy with and it protects you from the viruses and malware right now, I would say to stick with it," said DiNardo.

Microsoft is reportedly about to launch its own free basic antivirus software.

McAfee and AVG have also tried something similar.

The Conficker virus, which was not awakened on April 1 as expected, has slowly been coming to life on infected computers.

Conficker uses the infected computers to send SPAM and viruses to other PCs.

Consumer Reports gives the highest score to Avira and ESET software for combating viruses.

Related Links:

Panda Cloud Antivirus

Consumer Reports Security Software Comparison

Conficker Background