Adaware Antivirus Free

Popular programs in Anti-virus

What is Adaware Antivirus Free

Ad-Aware is a comprehensive security suite that can protect your computer from spyware, viruses, and other types of malware. Lavasoft's Ad-Aware is a veteran in the security field, having reliably protected users from spyware for over a decade. In 2013, Lavasoft beefed up the scanning engine to protect against viruses, worms, and Trojans as well as spyware. They added the BitDefender scanning engine to offer real-time virus protection as you check email and use the web. Real-time protection makes online banking and shopping safe. Download protection makes sure you get legitimate files while screening out known Trojans and worms.

Ad-Aware sports a clean, intuitive, streamlined interface with scanning sections, tools, and options on the left edge of the screen. It loads quickly and has solid performance.

When you install Ad-Aware, it will start a scan. You may want to cancel this so you can set up the options you prefer to use. It will take a while to do the first scan.

There are three types of scans in Ad-aware: Quick, Full, and Custom. The custom option allows you to exclude certain drives, files or folders if you like. You can also schedule scans to run during less busy times such as overnight or on a weekend. You can pause a scan if it slows down your machine, though that shouldn't be necessary for most modern machines.

There are four versions of Ad-Aware. This can be a little confusing at first. The versions are:

• Free Antivirus +
• Personal Security
• Pro Security
• Total Security

The versions are similar in function, and the security options increase as you move to higher levels of the software. The free version is truly free with no nags or pushy ads to make you upgrade.

The paid versions offer many cool features like gamer mode that lets you play games or watch movies without being disturbed, a file shredder that uses military grade technology to destroy personal data, and protection for your passwords on social media sites.

Lavasoft has added a tool to Ad-Aware Total Security called Lavasoft Privacy Toolbox. Privacy Toolbox was written in partnership with SafeIt Security of Sweden. Its goal is to protect you from efforts by agencies like the NSA to gather your data without your consent.

No matter which version you choose, Ad-Aware provides reliable, accurate, and robust protection from spyware, viruses, Trojans, and worms. It has won awards from CNet, Virus Bulletin, AV Comparatives, and PC Mag. The highest priced version costs less than competitors like Norton, and it's an instant download that starts working right away.

Pros

• Reliable detection of all types of malware
• Intuitive, streamlined interface
• No nags when using the free version
• Uses few system resources
• Offers the ability to schedule and tailor scans
• The company is a veteran in its field and guarantees performance

Cons

• The multiple versions can be confusing at first
• The initial scan takes a long time to complete