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Ad-Aware 2008 Pro

Downloads Count: 35,806

License Type: Trial

Price: $40

Date Added: May 21, 2008

Operating Systems: Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Vista

Requirements: P600 or better processor, Operating system + minimum 100 MB RAM, Web browser

File Size: 18937 KB

Author: Lavasoft

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Editor's Review of Ad-Aware 2008 Pro

Lavasoft Ad-Aware Pro 2008 adds IT-focused features to the antivirus scans, automatic updates, spyware blocking, and privacy protections in the Ad-Aware Plus paid version.

The 2008 version introduces a full antivirus component, licensed from Avira, which detects much more malware than the previous standalone anti-spyware software. However, while the company says the addition pits Ad-Aware Pro against major antivirus apps, Ad-Aware doesn't perform the full range of malware checks typical to programs such as Norton, McAfee and Kaspersky. It doesn't run 'on-access' antivirus scans whenever a file is saved to your hard drive, for instance, though it will use the Avira engine to check files on your drive during scheduled or manual scans.

Lavasoft says the Pro or Plus upgraded versions should still continue to run alongside other antivirus programs, and on my test PC with AVG I didn't run into any problems.

Pro version enables many other features inaccessible in the Free version, along with a few IT-focused upgrades over the Plus version. Most important, you get automatic updates, tech support and real-time 'Ad-Watch' protection. Ad-Watch alerts you if a known malicious process or program, attempts to run on your PC. It also alerts you about any changes to the Windows registry and can clear your Web browser cache, cookies and history by default--though those two features can prove troublesome.

The RegShield registry watcher--enabled by default--pops up a large number of alerts for benign registry changes, such as those from normal Windows processes, without a clear description or advice for whether it should be allowed. TrackSweep clears the browser cache, history, and cookies from Firefox, Internet Explorer, or Opera. That sounds good, but it meant that in my tests, Ad-Aware cleared all that data from Firefox each time I shut down the browser.

For anti-spyware and antivirus scans, you can choose between a 'smart' scan (which focuses on critical parts of your PC) and a full scan (which digs in everywhere). You can also define a custom scan that only checks particular locations and file types, or schedule a scan that runs automatically at certain times. However, while you can schedule regular, recurring scans, you can't create a custom scheduled scan.

Ad-Aware helpfully separates scan results into critical objects that everyone will want to remove, such as Trojans and other harmful spyware, and privacy objects such as tracking cookies or document history, which might not worry some people. You can remove discovered objects individually or all at once. One minor annoyance: To find out what each cookie actually is, you'll need to greatly expand the column that names it. Otherwise there's too much data on one line to see what's there. But that's more than offset by the ability to create a Windows System Restore point from within the software before removing any objects, in case you accidentally remove something necessary.

The Pro version, like Plus, brings in tools for editing or locking down the Windows hosts file, a little-used networking file sometimes targeted by malware. Pro also adds command line options, a network traffic viewer, and a process viewer that provides technical details on everything that's running on your PC. These are best suited to IT staff or major techies.

The paid Pro or Plus upgrade does add a good deal of protection compared to the Ad-Aware Free version. But if you're currently using free security software and are considering a paid upgrade, you're likely better off first buying a dedicated antivirus program with on-access scanning.

Note: This software comes in one-, two- and three-year licenses. This price is for a one-year license.

--Erik Larkin

Description of Ad-Aware 2008 Pro

Ad-Aware Pro offers advanced features for savvy computer users and IT professionals--for optimal control of confidential information and protection against malware attacks--with detection, cleanup, and removal in one easy-to-use program.

* Shop, bank, and make travel arrangements online
We keep you safe from password stealers, keyloggers, spyware, trojans, and other potential identity thieves.

* Stay safe on social networking sites
Ad-Aware keeps your passwords and personal information safe so you can socialize freely.

* Download photos, music, and other files with confidence
Ad-Watch Real Time Monitor detects deceptive malware applications before they integrate into your PC and attack your private information.

* Control your privacy
Erase tracks left behind while surfing the Web.

* Safeguard your secure documents
Ad-Aware actively shields you and your business from deceptive applications and cyber attacks.

* Enhance computer performance
Conserve resources and reduce downtime by using automated scans to identify and remove malicious applications that eat up memory.

* Get Peace of Mind
Know that your confidential information is kept safe from dangerous intrusions and prying eyes.

Not a member? Register Now.

Add Your Review

Most recent User Reviews for Ad-Aware 2008 Pro

Reviewed by: MaMaBeEp

09-27-2008

Duration of ownership: 2 Weeks

Strengths:

Weaknesses:

Overall Evaluation: BETTER THEN SPYWARE AND ITS CHEEPER...
Reviewed by: bpurkey

08-19-2008

Duration of ownership: 0 Months

Strengths:

Weaknesses:

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Ad-Aware 2008 Pro

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Most recent User Reviews for Ad-Aware 2008 Pro

Reviewed by: MaMaBeEp

Reviewed by: bpurkey

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Ad-Aware 2008 Pro

Editor's Review of Ad-Aware 2008 Pro

Description of Ad-Aware 2008 Pro

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Most recent User Reviews for Ad-Aware 2008 Pro

Reviewed by: MaMaBeEp

Reviewed by: bpurkey

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