Ad Aware to Get Big Upgrade

One of my favorite anti-adware programs Lavasoft's Ad Aware SE Personal is getting a long deserved makeover. I downloaded the most recent beta 5 version (released Thursday) of Ad Aware 2007 Beta and like what I'm seeing. Ad Aware 2007 Beta features improved detection of adware and hidden malware, a scanning engine that goes easy on your PC's system resources, and a snazzy new interface.

One warning, the beta 5 is buggy. In my opinion this beta is not suitable for everyday use. If you're using the current Ad Aware SE Personal or Pro version stick with it for now. Lavasoft?s next beta update for Ad Aware 2007 is in two weeks. I'll let you know how Lavasoft's fumigating of bugs go then. The release of the final versions of Ad Aware 2007 is slated for June 2007, according to Lavasoft.

Here are some specifics about the upcoming Ad Aware 2007

* Improved scanning to detect malware that is deeply imbedded in your system. Lavasoft told me its current Ad Aware SE isn?t able to delve deep enough to find rootkits and other threats that burrow deep into your PC.

* With Ad Aware 2007 you'll be able to schedule automatic scans and automatic definition file updates. You will also be able to set it for incremental updates which will be a boon for dial-up modem users who can't download multi-megabyte downloads easily.

(Scanning is faster and uses less system resources)

* Lavasoft has upgraded the user interface with a fresh look and design that boosts your ability to navigate advanced protection options.

(Access to advance settings gets easier)

* Lavasoft has added an anti-phishing tool called Ad-Watch Connect. This feature protects against identify theft by preventing private information from leaving your computer. This feature wasn't included in Ad Aware 2007 Beta.

* A new Ad-Watch TrackSweep tool clears your browser's cache, cookies, and history and is compatible with IE, Firefox, or Opera.

At launch in June Lavasoft says a personal version of the program will be available for free ? with fewer functions compared to the Ad Aware 2007 Pro. You'll have to cough up $40 for Ad Aware 2007 Pro, which includes all the bells and whistles in the beta program described above. Existing users of Ad Aware Pro will be able to upgrade for free.

One tip: No single anti-spyware program detects and kills all spyware, it's a good idea to use Ad Aware SE Personal in concert with another one, such as Spybot Search & Destroy.

Comments

Hi..please let us know when it is good for the rest of us.. I enjoy Ad Aware and have always upgraded.. when is spybot going to ugrade its software? if memory serves me, it's been quite a while

buckwalter

April 06, 2007

1:54 PM PT

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