Just as a thermometer measures temperature in degrees and a barometer atmospheric pressure in millibars, the Panda Virusometer measures the probability of users being affected by a virus at any given time.

This device is a fundamental part of Panda Software's Global Virus Observatory, and is a new concept designed to act in the same way as say, weather forecasts or storm warnings.

The importance of knowing the 'virus climate' can be compared to weather reports that help to make decisions before going on a journey. This report should outline the probability of virus attacks, what type of damage can result and practical information on how to stay safe. This is why the Panda Virusometer was created.

Not all viruses pose the same threat to users. Each virus presents a high or low-level threat at any given moment and for this reason an gauge has been created to measure a virus's Threat level. This gauge is specific for each virus and in the case of Panda, is updated in real-time as the virus spreads or the threat recedes: if a virus is spreading rapidly it represents a greater threat and vice versa.

For example, a decade ago the Friday 13th virus caused real damage, infecting thousands upon thousands of computers. Today it is just as destructive, but has practically disappeared from existence, which makes the probability of it infecting computers practically non-existent. As a result its Threat level is very low.

To find out more on how values are calculated and assigned to a viruses threat level, click here.

Both concepts, the Threat level of a virus and the Virusometer are related in their own way. The Threat level refers to a specific virus while the Virusometer refers to the combined action of all viruses in circulation. The results of the Virusometer are therefore the combined result of the Threat levels of each active virus.

The Virusometer depicts the virus climate in the form of color-coded warning conditions. This is a system similar to that used by emergency services with respect to natural disaster warnings. The following table indicates the different alerts, their meaning, and preventive action recommended by Panda.

WARNING CONDITION		DEFINITION		PREVENTIVE MEASURES
Green (Normal)		Normal There are no signs of viruses or hoaxes that represent a threat. Low risk of being infected by a virus or malicious code, as long as the usual precautions are taken.		Do not lower your guard completely. Make sure to follow the preventive measures indicated in Panda Software's 5 tips for staying virus free.
Orange (Pre-alert)		Pre-alert There are viruses that could possibly cause an epidemic. Moderate risk of being infected by a virus or malicious code.		In addition to the precautions taken under the Green warning condition (antivirus installed, updated and properly functioning) apply the specific preventive measures for the most active viruses at the time. If you are an administrator, plan an emergency strategy against the most virulent malicious code in circulation.
Red (Alert)		Red alert There are viruses or hoaxes that could cause a serious epidemic. Severe risk of being infected by a virus or malicious code.		In addition to the previous precautionary measures mentioned, apply the specific security measures against the severe threat and high threat viruses that are active (content filters, install the corresponding security patches, etc.)

(*)These preventive measures are generalizations; each particular situation especially an orange or red warning condition requires specific measures for optimum protection. As an antivirus software developer Panda Software will adopt its own specific measures to protect its clients.

The Virusometer status will always be accompanied by additional information, clearly explaining the threat level of the virus warning condition. The additional information may include the following:

1. "Last update...": Shows when the information in the Virusometer was last updated.
2. Threat level explanation: This indicates and explains the current threat level. It also shows the name of the virus causing the current alert.
3. News Ticker: Real-time news messages, related to the current world virus situation.

Just as there are different kinds of thermometers, there are also different types of Panda Virusometer formats, although all of them include the same information regarding the Panda warning condition and the Panda Virusometer name.

The Virusometer can also include additional information such as explanation of alerts or message boards.

The Panda Virusometer is one of the cornerstones of the Global Virus Observatory. For more information on how the Virusometer works, click here.

We hope that you find the Panda Virusometer both practical and easy to use. If you would like to send us any feedback to improve our product, please do so.

If you want to offer something really useful to visitors to your website, just include the Panda Virusometer. Easy-to-use, this tool measures the probabilities of computers being affected by viruses anytime, anywhere.

It won't cost you a cent. Just click here.