Scan & Fix 50 registry issues FREECNET Editors' review
One of the first applications built to find and remove adware and spyware, Ad-Aware's excellent reputation is well-justified. The Anniversary Edition continues the publisher's tradition of adroitly addressing user concerns, but is still not quite perfect.
Without a doubt, though, this version of Ad-Aware improves greatly on what has come before. It loads faster during your boot cycle. Scans take less time than before, too--the Quick Scan completed in less than 10 minutes. Although we did notice a major false positive crop up for another program's uninstaller, there were no other flaws in the scan. New users should notice that the app performs faster than integrated antivirus and antimalware programs, because only the paid version of Ad-Aware comes with an antivirus engine.
Some important features are disabled in the free version. While rootkit detection is present, 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.
Interface refinements make this the easiest-to-use Ad-Aware yet. Action button placement at the bottom of the pane might feel odd to those familiar with older versions, but the forced continuity between windows is a plus. Links to drill down to more information are easy to see, as is the Settings button. Overall, 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.
Ad-Aware Anniversary Edition:Publisher's Description
From Lavasoft:
With behavior-based threat detection and integrated real-time monitoring, Ad-Aware Anniversary Edition 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. Anniversary Edition provides advanced threat protection, and is significantly lighter and faster than our previous versions. Numerous changes in Ad-Aware Anniversary Edition include: Behavior-based heuristical detection; Ad-Watch Live! integrated real-time protection; Customizable Profile Scans and full integration with Windows Security Center.
What's new in this version: Version 8.0.7 adds new adware definitions.
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... -
Reduce multiple passwords to one single item. -
Reconnect VPN automatically when disconnected, while blocking I... -
Reconnect VPN automatically when disconnected, while blocking I... -
Download and exchange files safely, enjoy games and Web surfing... -
Stay alerted about the flash drive connoted to the PC during th... -
Record and view every keystroke typed on keyboard. -
Get the latest antivirus updates. -
Secure your connection to public Wi-Fi networks with premium VP... -
Update Norton virus definitions and antivirus products. -
Protect all kinds of sensitive information for your enterprise ... -
Protect your personal home computer from malware attacks. -
Record Web site login passwords, software registration codes, a... -
Detect and remove spyware, malware, rootkits, trojans, hijacker... -
Record Web site login passwords, software registration codes, a... -
Stay anonymous, change your IP address, and protect your comput... -
Record Web site login passwords, software registration codes, a... -
Stop viruses and spyware automatically before they reach your c...
-
All versions:
3.8 starsout of 13,342 votes
-
Current version:
3.5 starsout of 108 votes
-
My rating:
Write review
-
"high quality"
Version: Ad-Aware 8.0.7
Pros
all very nice
Cons
I can not find fault
Summary
-
-
"This product keeps getting better."
Version: Ad-Aware 8.0.7
Pros
Its easy to use and understand.
Cons
No cons at this time.
Summary
This program keeps improving and has a very clear interface and highly recommended.
-
"Easy to use and SAFE"
Version: Ad-Aware 8.0.7
Pros
Bought the paid version but the free one is as good
Cons
Did not like the choice of other programs to try to get Ad-Aware free
-
"Honestly what happened? It is now a giant piece of junk"
Version: Ad-Aware 8.0.7
Pros
Sadly I have nothing good to say, only they better get it right with the new version or the reputation will be shot.
Cons
I don't think I need to repeat what's wrong with the current version.
Summary
Honestly what happened to what used to be probably the best adware program available. It has become a gian piece of ......need I say more. For those of us who read the user reivews we are seeing a number of unique programming problems associated with the Anniversary Edition. I have one of the common problems in which it will download updates, but will only scan approximately 3000 files, then stops and finally closes on its own. I find it curious that only two days from now a new edition is coming out...of course without any acknowledgement of this being an attempt to fix the obvious bugs. Basically the Anniversary editions SUCKS....and big. Don't download the Anniversary Edition, just wait until Tuesday, 10/13/09 when the 2010 version comes out and let's hope they got it right this time.
-
"There Are Better Alternatives"
Version: Ad-Aware 8.0.7
Pros
Seems to do what it's supposed to do, although painfully.
Cons
Erratic behavior of update mechanism. Frequently can't connect to update server. Confusing update prompts (software vs. database). User interface can't connect to scanner module after updating. Bloated download (58 meg!).
Summary
I'm an ex-programmer and can easily spot a poorly-designed user interface and the shortcuts the designers took. The update mechanism in Ad-Aware has all the hallmarks. For two weeks, my version (2008, Windows XP) can't connect to the update server. In the past, even when it successfully connected, I couldn't start the scan for about 60 seconds after the update -- the user interface module complains that the "scanner" is busy. When no errors occur, the program seems to work OK. When there are errors, that's when the sloppy error recovery design becomes apparent. Bottom line: take a look at Malwarebyte's Anti-Malware program.
-
"I have used it for several years and it works for me !!"
Version: Ad-Aware 8.0.7
Pros
It does a super scanning job.
Cons
It does take a long time but then I do have a lot on this computer to look at.
Summary
IIt works and I like it !!
-
"Why would anyone like this thing?"
Version: Ad-Aware 8.0.7
Pros
Free, that's about it
Cons
Doesn't find anything!
Summary
I've had this program on my computer for over 2 years and not ONCE has it ever detected anything that my other spyware programs found! The only thing it finds are false-positives. It's useless and I'm removing it from my computer - it's doing nothing but taking up RAM space I could use for something else.
I also think this program is a joke and it's NEVER once found the things that my other programs found. Waste of RAM is all it is.
Updated on Oct 10, 2009 -
"Fast and complete spyware and adware removal"
Version: Ad-Aware 8.0.7
Pros
easy to install and use; simple interface and complete scanning
Cons
takes a long time to scan and has a lengthy update time
Summary
A good, free spyware and adware software program.
-
"Find another Product, too big and doesn't work"
Version: Ad-Aware 8.0.7
Pros
Looks nice, has slick feel to it and does find issues
Cons
Too big and doesn't preform recommended actions
Summary
Deleting it and looking for another program, been using Adware for 5 years, but if it doens't work it is gone
-
"A program becomes popular and then gets too big"
Version: Ad-Aware 8.0.7
Pros
It'll scan your computer.
Cons
It will slow down your computer. This is not the Ad-Aware I loved, this comes packed with way too many extras. I would recommend Personal SE, but it is nowhere to be found. Only this train wreck.
Summary
This program is for making your computer work better. Ironically, it will slow your computer down. A crummy virus protection program with fantastic adware protection. Lavasoft, just leave it to adware scans. They basically took Ad-Aware Personal SE and weighed it down with thousands of pounds of trash.
Add Your Review
Submit your reply
E-mail this review
Report offensive content
Previous Versions:
