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Lavasoft's Ad-Aware SE is one of PCWorld.com's most popular free downloads because Internet users know it's a good tool for detecting and removing spyware that infects their systems. So why pay $27 for the Plus version? The reason: real-time protection.
I installed Ad-Aware SE Plus, version 1.05, on a Windows 98 PC and on a Windows XP machine (the installation process automatically removes previous Ad-Aware versions).
After I completed installation, Ad-Aware SE Plus automatically connected to Lavasoft's servers and updated its spyware signatures. Then it offered to launch its first scan.
I've learned that selecting 'Use custom scanning options' and leaving things checked nets a far more comprehensive scan than the default 'Smart system scan' choice. In informal tests on the 98 and XP systems, I found that SE Plus dug deeper than previous versions, subsequently finding and eliminating more spyware problems. (Note: During initial tests of version 1.02, PC World found several problems Lavasoft hotly disputed; the problems have been resolved.)
I'd prefer that the Ad-Watch real-time scanner be active by default, but finding the feature and turning it on from the main menu were easy. Ad-Watch stops severe attacks, as it detects (and interrupts) attempts to modify the Registry.
Free stuff is hard to resist, and the free Ad-Aware SE is a solid post-infection tool. But as spyware becomes more aggressive, I prefer real-time protection, and Ad-Aware SE Plus's Ad-Watch component is a defense measure that savvy users shouldn't be without.
Rex Farrance
Affordable application provides system scanning plus real-time protection from spyware.
Price when reviewed: $27
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