Features
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License:
Free; paid upgrade available (Buy it now)
- Editor's Rating:
- Average User Rating:
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Downloads:
323,295,609
- Operating Systems:
Windows Vista, Windows 2000, Windows XP
- Additional Requirements:
Windows 2000/XP(32-bit)/Vista(32- and 64-bit)
- Limitations:
No limitations
- Date Added:
January 18, 2009
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Previous Versions:
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Publisher's description of Ad-Aware Anniversary Edition
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.
Editor's review of Ad-Aware Anniversary Edition
4.0 stars
- "Protection with a catch"
- Reviewed on: January 19, 2009
- Version reviewed: Ad-Aware Anniversary Edition 8.0
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.
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User reviews
- Average user rating: 3.8 stars out of 10799 votes
- My rating: 0 stars Write review
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Showing 5 of 199 user reviewsSee all 199 user reviews
This software version | All versions -
Version: Ad-Aware Anniversary Edition 8.0
Pros: This has been on of my required downloads when I buy a new computer. It has consistently performed well over the years. Works as well, if not better than purchased software. Free, always good.
Cons: None to speak of.
Summary: Have used it for years and have been happy with it the whole time.
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Version: Ad-Aware Anniversary Edition 8.0
Pros: Easy To Use And The Added Free Adwatch Software
Cons: There Is Nothing I Dislike About It Attal
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Version: Ad-Aware Anniversary Edition 8.0
"Really slow running - don't download this resource hog"
Pros: None it's really poor and ruined what was once good about Ad-Aware
Cons: Really slow. Resource hog.
Summary: I have used Ad-Aware for the past 4 years, the older versions were quite useful but this one is absolutely terrible. It is nothing but a resouce hog and offers no benefit what so ever to the user. There are better free anti-spyware removal tools w... read more >>
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1 out of 1 people found this review helpful
Version: Ad-Aware Anniversary Edition 8.0
"I have to say there are better programs out there."
Pros: Seems fair looking at first.
Cons: Don't like the way it shuts down. It's a hog on top of it and really is behind itself. There are better programs out there. I removed it today. I was really disapointed.
Summary: I just think this program anniversay edition wasn't necessary. A better product from them was. This just isn't it.
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0 out of 1 people found this review helpful
Version: Ad-Aware Anniversary Edition 8.0
"Simple scan seems easy, maybe too easy."
Pros: I've used ad-aware for at least two years and it has performed well.
Cons: Help on actions to take has not helped me much. I've assumed recommended actions are adequate. This comment is for the current version.
Summary: Ad-aware has been recommended by two sources I condider reliable. I feel like I've been protected so far. I think the simplicity is good. The advanced/custom settings haven't been explored yet. Ask me again later.
Thanks - See all 199 user reviews Write review
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