Quantcast
Subscribe to magazine

Ad-Aware 2008 Free Now Available for Download

Long-time antispyware favorite gets an update.

Erik Larkin, PC World

  • 0 Yes
  • 0 No

Click here to view full-size image.

The new version of Lavasoft's flagship antispyware application, Ad-Aware 2008 Free, aims to supplement your existing antivirus protection by detecting spyware and privacy risks.

The feature-limited free version lacks real-time protection, and it will discover security or privacy threats only when you run a manual scan. The program also doesn't automatically update, so before you start a scan, you must click a button on the main window to receive the latest spyware definitions.

You can choose either a "smart'' scan, which focuses on critical parts of your computer, or a full scan that digs in everywhere.

Besides scans, you can run a "TrackSweep" to clear browsing history, cache elements, cookies, and other data from Firefox, Internet Explorer, and Opera (though each browser has a similar feature built in). You'll also see options for Ad-Watch, which actively monitors for threats, and references to other tools and plug-ins, but you have to upgrade to Plus or Pro to use them.

True, your existing antivirus program likely has antispyware features of its own. But if you suspect you might have spyware on your PC and you want to double-check your antivirus program's assessment, download Ad-Aware 2008 Free, for an extra spyware and privacy scan.

  • Recommend this story?
  • 0 Yes
    0 No

"Ad-Aware 2008 Free Now Available for Download" Comments

Print 65% more pages than with refilled inks. Trust Original HP Inks. Hit Print Reliably.

Featured APC Accessories For Your System
10% Off Entire Cart at Online Store

  • APC Back-UPS ES Safeguards your equipment from damaging surges and spikes that travel along your utility & data lines.
  • APC SurgeArrest Performance Highest level of protection for your professional computers, electronics and connected devices, as well as provides surge protection.

People who read this also read:

  • 2007 Microsoft Office Suites Comparison This paper compares and contrasts four suites of the 2007 Microsoft Office system: Microsoft Office Standard 2007, Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2007, Microsoft Office Enterprise 2007 and Microsoft Office Ultimate 2007. This paper is intended to help organizations understand the applications and capabilities offered, and to identify the suite that best fits their needs.
  • Windows Vista Migration: The Business Proposition It's not so much a matter of "if" but "when" for most organizations regarding migration to Windows Vista. Laying the groundwork now for this migration can yield higher ROI than waiting until later. This Computerworld Technology Briefing explains it all.

PC World's Marketplace