CNET Editors' review
One of the first applications built to find and remove malware and spyware, Ad-Aware's reputation is well-justified. The latest version continues the publisher's tradition of adroitly addressing user concerns, but isn't yet perfect.
Building on the improvements made in version 8, former Ad-Aware users should be glad to hear that the program installs faster than it used to. Without a doubt, though, this version of Ad-Aware improves greatly on what has come before. It loads faster during your boot cycle, and scans are faster. Empirical tests noted that while the Quick Scan finished in less than 10 minutes for version 8, the current version's Quick Scan finished in under three minutes. Previous files that had been falsely detected as threats weren't flagged this time around, probably due in part to Ad-Aware's behavioral detection engine. Called Genotype, it's based on heuristics and uses a one-pass scanning system, Genotype isn't directly exposed to users, although you can opt in to anonymously contribute data from the Settings menu. The new version also explicitly calls out in the scan windows what the scan looks for.
New users should note that Ad-Aware Free performs faster than integrated antivirus and antimalware programs in part because only the paid version of Ad-Aware comes with an antivirus engine. Other important features are disabled in the free version. While rootkit detection is present, behavior-based heuristics and real-time registry protection are not. Ad-Aware Free cannot scan networked drives, and even a basic feature like the scheduler remains off-limits to nonpaying customers. The proprietary real-time defender Ad-Watch Live has been reconfigured to run more smoothly in the background, however, and long-time fans will notice the change. Ad-Aware continues to make improvements and seems to be unwilling to rest on its malware-removing laurels, but the free version is undeniably hamstrung.
Watch the CNET video review of Ad-Aware Free Anti-Malware:
Publisher's Description
From Lavasoft:
With behavior-based threat detection and integrated real-time monitoring, Ad-Aware focuses on core consumer security needs. Instead of adding layers of bells and whistles--thereby slowing your computer and scans down--we have decided to focus on what really matters. Ad-Aware provides advanced threat protection, and is significantly lighter and faster than our previous versions.
What's new in this version: Version 8.1.0 includes new anti-malware technology with new Genotype detection and behavior-based heuristics, new usability features that allow you to tailor the program to fit your needs, and the community collaboration that will allow you to customize Ad-Aware to your needs.
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All versions:
3.8 starsout of 12,951 votes
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Current version:
3.2 starsout of 253 votes
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My rating:
Write review
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"removes everything"
Version: Ad-Aware Free Anti-Malware 8.1.0
Pros
pulls and lists all suspicous files. allows you to choose which ones to remove.
Cons
It takes a lot of time to go through the list to ignore the good files tied to your programs, like hp. Sometimes its hard to tell if a file is needed for the program or not.
Summary
Its okay but the review of files to check and or uncheck what you really want removed takes alot of time
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"Has helped keep my system clean."
Version: Ad-Aware Free Anti-Malware 8.1.0
Pros
I've been using Ad-Aware, as well as a couple of other similar programs for a couple of years and have not had an intrusive program bother my system as long as I can remember.
Cons
Can't think of anything.
Summary
I wouldn't trust any one program to find and reject malware, but this is a very good one to keep in my arsenal.
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"The new edition is slow in starting."
Version: Ad-Aware Free Anti-Malware 8.1.0
Pros
It is ready all the time.
Cons
Slow starting,may be due to overloaded server.
Summary
I like Ad-Aware because it is easy for use and always give us free products and up-dates and also perfect in removing any spyware on my computer,thanks to Ad-Aware.
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"works as well as any I've tried."
Version: Ad-Aware Free Anti-Malware 8.1.0
Pros
easy to use.
Cons
a little slow.
Summary
would recommend, no major flaws.
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"Has been doing the job for years with very few hangups."
Version: Ad-Aware Free Anti-Malware 8.1.0
Pros
quick and easy
Cons
just the operator
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"No crash problem here does a fine job"
Version: Ad-Aware Free Anti-Malware 8.1.0
Pros
finds what others miss/ no one spyware system finds them all
Cons
Takes 4 hours for a full scan on my desk top
Summary
Would like it better if it were faster
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"Not good enough"
Version: Ad-Aware Free Anti-Malware 8.1.0
Pros
Free scan.
Cons
Malwarebytes and 10bit scans find infections Ad Aware didn't. Ad Aware also had suspicious install errors about wrong passwords and had to download to desktop a few times before installing.
Summary
So many more effective scanners.
Problem with download was because I didn't have enough free Ram or fee CPU. Am now using on another computer with enough room because of the real time protection Malwarebytes doesn't offer, but it is also 105mb smaller download!
Updated on Dec 20, 2009 -
"Ad-Aware still crashes"
Version: Ad-Aware Free Anti-Malware 8.1.0
Pros
None. It doesn't work.
Cons
I've downloaded Ad-Aware 8.1.0 three times, and three times it has crashed while scanning.
Summary
Don't use this software until the obvious bugs are removed from it.
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"As usual Ad-Aware performs as expected."
Version: Ad-Aware Free Anti-Malware 8.1.0
Pros
I have used this program for over 20 years successfully
Cons
I know of no items that would be a con
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"Easy to use and has kept my computer protected!"
Version: Ad-Aware Free Anti-Malware 8.1.0
Pros
Monthly full scans keep my computer bug free.
Cons
nonethat i've found
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