Manage updates with the Download AppCNET Editors' review
One of the first applications built to find and remove adware and spyware, Ad-Aware's excellent reputation is well-justified. While the 2007 edition is still free, it does have some new features that may make you reconsider the height of the pedestal it sits on.
First off, the app's updater is now permanently on, running in your system's background. The irony of Ad-Aware running potential spyware is not lost on us. The interface has also been completely overhauled, and it's a bit more confusing. There are six tabs in the nav bar. Status and Scan initiate adware scans, and finish with a line-item list so you can select which components to remove and create a system restore point. The context menu offers some information about suspected adware, though it's light on details.
Other navbar buttons include Ad-Watch, offering real-time defenses but only in the paid version. Plug-ins are disabled in the free version, but the Tools and Plug-ins tab hosts TrackSweep, the new browsing tracks cleaner. Smoothly integrated into the app, it wipes the cache, cookies, and history, and other breadcrumbs left by major browsers. We couldn't help but notice, though, that the Web Update tab, which controls definition file and software updates, ran far more sluggishly than in previous editions, and sometimes even crashed the program.
The Settings tab provides access to auto-scans, browsers, scanning, the interface, and log files. The app does an excellent job of removing most malware components, although rescanning is necessary for a seriously infected machine. The freeware restrictions are mildly irritating, but they're nothing compared to some of the serious stability and background processes in the 2007 version. However, it is a fully functional adware remover, and it continues to do that well. With some hesitation, we recommend Ad-Aware 2007 as part of your arsenal.
Ad-Aware Anniversary Edition:Publisher's Description
From Lavasoft:
With the ability to scan your RAM, Registry, hard drives, and external storage devices for known data-mining, advertising, and tracking components, Ad-Aware 2007 easily can clean your system, allowing you to maintain a higher degree of privacy while you surf the Web.
Ad-Aware 2007 includes a redesigned engine, improved code sequence identification, incremental definition updates, one-click Web-history cleanup, multiple browser support, and other new features. Version 7.0.2.3 may include unspecified updates, enhancements, or bug fixes.
Note: After installation, the program will ask you for a registration code. Just hit Cancel to run the free version.
What's new in this version: Version 7.0.2.3 may include unspecified updates, enhancements, or bug fixes.
More Products to Consider
-
Protect your PC against the latest viruses and spyware. -
Protect your computer from viruses and malicious programs. -
Protect your Windows PC from online threats. -
Detect and quickly remove malicious threats to your computer. -
Provide secure, anonymous, and private browsing on Wi-Fi hotspo... -
Search your hard disk and Registry for threats to your security... -
Detect and eliminate viruses, get free protection for home user... -
Download and exchange files safely, enjoy games and Web surfing... -
Find and secure personal information stored on your PC. -
Find and secure personal information stored on your PC. -
Record and view every keystroke typed on keyboard. -
Find and secure personal information stored on your PC. -
Secure your connection to public Wi-Fi networks with premium VP... -
Get the latest antivirus updates. -
Keep your business safe when e-mailing or going online. -
Update Norton virus definitions and antivirus products. -
Get updated virus pattern files. -
Protect your personal home computer from malware attacks. -
Protect local and remotely running applications from undesirabl... -
Detect and remove spyware, malware, rootkits, trojans, hijacker... -
Protect local and remotely running applications from undesirabl... -
Protect your PC against viruses, spyware, Trojans, worms, rootk... -
Manage personal information leakage and protect your applicatio... -
Stop viruses and spyware automatically before they reach your c...
-
All versions:
3.8 starsout of 13,342 votes
-
Current version:
3.8 starsout of 365 votes
-
My rating:
Write review
-
"Works Great"
Version: Ad-Aware 2007 7.0.2.3
Pros
This program is easy to use and gets rid of alot of the junk that gets into your computer making it run faster
-
"Very good for me"
Version: Ad-Aware 2007 7.0.2.3
-
"An absolute terrible product"
Version: Ad-Aware 2007 7.0.2.3
Cons
I purchased the 2007 SE Plus and It was completely useless.Thank God for their great refund policy still have a few months left on my 2005 SE PLUS and it works just great.
-
"Stupid"
Version: Ad-Aware 2007 7.0.2.3
Pros
Nothing
Cons
This software is so hard to use and so hard to remove objects. Get the old one
at ad-aware.com
-
"GLAD I FOUND YOU!"
Version: Ad-Aware 2007 7.0.2.3
-
"Good software free"
Version: Ad-Aware 2007 7.0.2.3
-
"absolute crap it had viruses attached and all dont download it"
Version: Ad-Aware 2007 7.0.2.3
-
"Overall Excellent Protection"
Version: Ad-Aware 2007 7.0.2.3
Pros
Ad-Aware 2007 hasn't lost it's touch in the anti-spyware industry. The overall appearance of the new interface is pretty neat, well organized, and in a pleasant color. The spyware update is still slow, but i don't mind that at all. The spyware detection rate is still good, if not better than most anti-spyware programs. Overall I rate this product 4 1/2 stars, for it's simplicity and the detection rate of the program.
Cons
There is a tremendous lag on my computer (HP Pavilion with 2 GB RAM, Nvidia 8600 GTS, 500 GB HD), when scanning and afterwards, I have no clue why, but my other computer (Dell XPS) hasn't had this lag at all, so it might be another software conflicting with Ad-Aware...
-
"Excellent"
Version: Ad-Aware 2007 7.0.2.3
Pros
Everything
-
"easy to install and use but some confusion over closing actions"
Version: Ad-Aware 2007 7.0.2.3
Cons
Not clear what actions one has to take after a scan and results are found.
Add Your Review
Submit your reply
E-mail this review
Report offensive content
Previous Versions:
