Downloads

Lavasoft's Ad-Aware Plus is the medium-strength version of the popular spyware removal suite. Its collection of features makes it appropriate for most users and well worth the license fee compared to the free version. All it lacks compared to the high-end Pro is several features, such as advanced command-line support, which would be useful in a corporate environment.

What Ad-Aware Plus does for you is real-time spyware scanning and tracking. Similar to a virus scanner's Guard feature, Ad-Aware Real-Time Monitor keeps track of registry changes, installation of malware, and addition of unfavorable cookies.

I tested Ad-Aware Plus in two ways. First, I turned on Real-Time Monitor and then attempted to install a popular file-sharing program known for its spyware. Ad-Aware first notified me that the installation was attempting to change the registry. No big deal, right? Many programs do that. Then, I got a Malicious Process Detected warning. That is a big deal. I chose to allow it, so we could test the scanning feature after the program and its spyware components were fully installed. I got five additional Malicious Process Detected warnings during the installation.

Then, I did a full system scan, which scans everything, rather than a smart scan, which only scans files likely to contain spyware. This brought up 116 critical objects and 151 privacy objects, such as cookies. Among the critical objects were three data-miners, two adwares and one miscellaneous toolbar. Removing them all required a restart. This isn't a fault of Ad-Aware, rather a testament to how badly the spyware had their hooks in the system.

Another terrific feature (also available in the Free version) is the ability to create Windows restore points from the software itself, so that if you remove a file that you or Ad-Aware thought was spyware-- and suddenly some critical component of your system stops working --you can go back to the restore point. Then it's like your removal never happened, and you can add the file to Ad-Aware's ignore list instead.

Ad-Aware Plus contains everything most users will need to target and destroy spyware and other malicious software. It's priced competitively with competitor's products such as Webroot's Spy Sweeper and PC Tools's Spyware Doctor. For best results, pair Ad-Aware with a good virus scanner and scan your system with both regularly.

Note: Licenses for this software are sold in one-, two-, and three-year licenses. The price given here is for a one-year license. This software is not recommended for 64-bit Vista systems.