se, downloading is rapid and installation is quick and easy. It is recommended that you start with a full system scan, and after that use smart scans that only check recently altered files. The default settings are capable of handling almost any computer configuration.

One weakness is that Ad-aware provides limited information about the f

In the world of anti-malware software, Ad-aware is a giant. A free program, it is capable, configurable, reputable and user friendly.

Lavasoft, the company that makes Ad-aware, is considered a reputable name in the field and the company keeps updates current with the latest fads in malware. Sadly, the free program has no auto-update available, but it will prompt you if it thinks the definition is too old and ask if you want to seek a current definition file.

The program is growing faster as new updates improve performance, though the free version does not have email support from the manufacturer. There is an online support area, but it is not completely comprehensive. In addition to the Ad-aware SE free version, there is an Ad-aware SE Plus that costs $29.95. This version will add automatic updates, real time protection and advertising block features. There is a small but real group of customers, both of the free and paid versions, who complain about the poor level of support they receive when attempting to reach Lavasoft about issues.

Ad-aware, in all configurations, has a light footprint. That is, it requires few system resources and simply isn’t much of a drag on the system. It is also very competitive in performance with commonly available protective software that isn’t available for free.

The interface is relatively simple and easy to use, downloading is rapid and installation is quick and easy. It is recommended that you start with a full system scan, and after that use smart scans that only check recently altered files. The default settings are capable of handling almost any computer configuration.

One weakness is that Ad-aware provides limited information about the fi

able, but it will prompt you if it thinks the definition is too old and ask if you want to seek a current definition file.

The program is growing faster as new updates improve performance, though the free version does not have email support from the manufacturer. There is an online support area, but it is not completely comprehensive. In addition to the Ad-aware SE free version, there is an Ad-aware SE Plus that costs $29.95. This version will add automatic updates, real time protection and advertising block features. There is a small but real group of customers, both of the free and paid versions, who complain about the poor level of support they receive when attempting to reach Lavasoft about issues.

Ad-aware, in all configurations, has a light footprint. That is, it requires few system resources and simply isn’t much of a drag on the system. It is also very competitive in performance with commonly available protective software that isn’t available for free.

The interface is relatively simple and easy to use, downloading is rapid and installation is quick and easy. It is recommended that you start with a full system scan, and after that use smart scans that only check recently altered files. The default settings are capable of handling almost any computer configuration.

One weakness is that Ad-aware provides limited information about the f

ddition to the Ad-aware SE free version, there is an Ad-aware SE Plus that costs $29.95. This version will add automatic updates, real time protection and advertising block features. There is a small but real group of customers, both of the free and paid versions, who complain about the poor level of support they receive when attempting to reach Lavasoft about issues.

Ad-aware, in all configurations, has a light footprint. That is, it requires few system resources and simply isn’t much of a drag on the system. It is also very competitive in performance with commonly available protective software that isn’t available for free.

The interface is relatively simple and easy to use, downloading is rapid and installation is quick and easy. It is recommended that you start with a full system scan, and after that use smart scans that only check recently altered files. The default settings are capable of handling almost any computer configuration.

One weakness is that Ad-aware provides limited information about the f

Lavasoft about issues.

Ad-aware, in all configurations, has a light footprint. That is, it requires few system resources and simply isn’t much of a drag on the system. It is also very competitive in performance with commonly available protective software that isn’t available for free.

The interface is relatively simple and easy to use, downloading is rapid and installation is quick and easy. It is recommended that you start with a full system scan, and after that use smart scans that only check recently altered files. The default settings are capable of handling almost any computer configuration.

One weakness is that Ad-aware provides limited information about the f

se, downloading is rapid and installation is quick and easy. It is recommended that you start with a full system scan, and after that use smart scans that only check recently altered files. The default settings are capable of handling almost any computer configuration.

One weakness is that Ad-aware provides limited information about the files it flags as potentially dangerous. It is possible to find a file that is actually innocuous and accidentally tell Ad-aware to quarantine it. However, Ad-aware puts files into quarantine rather than deleting them, so if you discover you need one, you can easily restore it. In my personal experience, the vast majority of threats found are cookies, and these are seldom enough to render some program dysfunctional.

In independent testing, Ad-aware was one of the fastest programs in system scans, and one of the most comprehensive in terms of catching known malware. While the lack of good coverage from tech support is annoying, the help function in the program is capable of handling most issues without needing to contact Lavasoft. There are several options which can be selected to provide the proper balance between speed and complete coverage.

Ad-aware is very useful for a multi-software strategy, using multiple protective programs to help keep a computer secure. The light footprint means that even with another program running, Ad-aware still won’t appreciably slow down the system. The synergistic effects with multiple programs seeking to protect your computer provide better coverage than either could alone. Simply put, Ad-aware is a trivial drain on resources compared to the benefits it provides, and almost all PC’s should have this program installed.