I just downloaded and installed the newest Adaware Free version on my Vista 64 bit edition laptop. The software has really come a long way from the original free ad-aware software in multiple ways. The first is that the free version now includes "Ad-watch" Live real time protection. The scanner works like an antivirus shield constantly scanning for spyware and Trojans. However, the real watch only includes process protection. Registry and Network real time protection are omitted and are only available in the paid version. Still, the inclusion of real-time protection is still better than not having it at all.
Adware is going the trend of most antivirus programs and now includes the ability to switch between simple and advanced modes. The latter gives more options such as statistics on what spyware items are detected, additional settings to be tweaked, and the ability to schedule scans. However, it appears that you cannot click the schedule scans button; it simply says "Upcoming Scheduled Scans." I assume this means that the feature will be included in latter versions. Adaware 8.1 also includes a new smart scan feature in addition to the full and customized scans. The smart scan took about 5 minutes to complete and appeared to look in the windows directory, active processes, registry, and many other areas that malware like to hide. The myriad of malware detection capabilities are amazing with the Full scan. I really like how all of the detection technologies are shown highlighted depending on which type of scan is selected. Ad-Aware also includes a track sweep privacy protector tab. Unfortunately, the sweeper only sweeps Firefox, Internet Explorer, and Opera tracks (available in the paid version.)
Adware Free 8.1 was a pretty big download, 73.53 mb to be exact. I figured a program of this size would already include a lot of updated spyware signatures. However, upon updating the software, Adware wanted to download additional updates. Therefore, I think it’s safe to say the total download size is about 100mb. Finally, I think the interface could be better. It feels kind of cheap to me with unnecessary transparent windows and unclear text. Regardless of the minor faults, everyone should have antispyware software in addition to antivirus software. Adaware is one of the oldest on the block and offers a lot of protection.
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Antispyware Reviews
ad-aware 8.1, track sweeper, vista 64 bit