Ad-aware

Ad-aware is a program from Lavasoft that detects and removes software on a user's computer that is determined to be spyware. It also detects dialers, trojans, malware, data-mining, aggressive advertising, Parasites, Scumware, Browser hijackers, and tracking components.

There is a freeware version called Ad-aware Personal, as well as two commercial products—Ad-aware Plus and Ad-aware Professional. The free download includes Ad-Aware SE Personal Edition, skins, help manuals, RegHance and the latest definition file.The freeware version of Ad-Aware is compatible with Microsoft Windows 98/Me/NT/2000/XP/2003.

Norman, together with Lavasoft, offers the Ad-aware Plus and Ad-aware Professional versions. The main difference between the freeware and the Plus and Professional versions is the addition of real-time scanning. Real-time scanning means that users are protected when surfing and do not have to start the scanning of spyware manually, as in the freeware version.

Recent Improvements

Scanning engine improvements

  	Extended protection against DLL-injection, SE can unload process modules on the fly
  	Extended Memory scanning
  	Now scans all modules loaded by a process
  	Uses our all new CSI (Code Sequence Identification) technology to identify new and unknown variants of known targets

Extended Registry scanning

  	Now scans registry branches of multiple user accounts
  	Performs additional smart checks to detect dynamically created references
  	Scanning speed noticeably faster
  	Extended Scanning for known and unknown/possible Browser-Hijackers

Extended Disk scanning

  	Now scans and lists alternate Data-streams on NTFS volumes
  	Now Ad-Aware supports scanning of Cabinet files, (including spanned archives)
  	Scanning speed increased
  	Improved Hosts-file scan
  	Now Ad-Aware and Ad-Watch use much smaller reference files

Several User Interface improvements

  	Improved Graphical UI
  	Ad-Aware now supports custom graphical Skins
  	More user friendly Plug-in/Extension GUI (Plug-ins and Extensions now shown on separate screens)
  	New Scan Result view, includes a scan summary and detailed view
  	Ad-Aware now linked to the online TAC database

Multiple New Tweak options

  	Unloading of process modules during a scan
  	Obtaining command line of scanned processes
  	Ignoring spanned cab files
  	Permanent archive caching
  	Always try to unload modules before deletion
  	Disable manual quarantine if auto quarantine is selected
  	Write protect system files after repair
  	Use gridlines in item lists
  	Logfile detail section condensed

Several logfile improvements

  	Includes support for separate removal logfiles
  	Allows adding a Reference summary/index to logfiles
  	Logfile contains overall more detailed information

Download.com Review of Ad-Aware SE Personal Edition

One of the first applications built to find and remove adware and spyware, Ad-aware SE Personal Edition's excellent reputation is well justified. The sky-blue, skinnable interface features five buttons. The first two, Status and Scan, lead to the core function of the application. These buttons initiate a scan of your files for adware components. After scanning is complete, the program presents a summary of results, followed by a list from which you select exactly which components to remove. Right-clicking an individual entry gives some information about the piece of suspected adware, though we would like more details. Ad-aware SE can alert you to more malignant forms of malware by separating items into critical and negligible categories. The third button, Ad-watch, is nonfunctional in the Standard version. The fourth button, Plug-ins, shows you which Ad-aware plug-ins are installed. The fifth leads to the help files. Ad-aware SE does an excellent job of quickly finding and removing most adware and spyware components, although you will have to restart and rescan for a seriously infected machine. We were pleased to see an auto-update feature included with the program, keeping Ad-aware up-to-date with the latest adware components. Ad-aware SE should be part of your arsenal for keeping your machine free of adware and spyware components.

About Lavasoft

It was established in Germany in the mid 1990's, incorporated in July 2002, and headquartered in Sweden.

Global Presence – It has partners in over 100 countries, customers all over the world, including Asia, Africa, Australia, Europe, and the Americas, and prodeucts available in more than 20 languages.

Their Mission

Develop and deliver the highest quality anti-spyware solutions to keep your computer or network free of compromising and intrusive threats to your privacy. And to assure that everyone, regardless of economic status, has access to the most comprehensive and effective privacy solutions available.

Their Goal

To provide you the user with the protection you require and to bring about positive and ethical changes to advertising models. And most importantly, to place the control back into the hands of those who should have it, namely you the user. It is your computer and you have the right to decide what will or will not be installed. Don't let others decide for you when you have the most advanced detection and removal technology at your fingertips. Try our software and see what Ad-Aware can do for you.

External links

• Lavasoft Web Page
• Norman Web Page
• Adaware Review