Ad-Aware Pro Reviewer's Comments

Ad-Aware by Lavasoft is one of the original anti-spyware companies and perhaps the most well-known. Although it didn't seem to find as many components as other products we reviewed, it is a good solution for detecting spyware. Ad-Aware comes with a well-rounded feature-set including real-time monitoring, automatic updates, and rollback capabilities. It doesn't offer as many useful features as Spy Sweeper, however. For example, it lacks the ability to schedule scans and the real-time monitoring isn't quite as effective. It also is much higher priced and this product is targeted to IT professionals or technically-oriented users. In addition, the technical support is horrible. We've put in several email requests and they've either been ignored or taken much longer than they should have. We have also been unsuccessful with talking to a live person.

One unique addition to Ad-Aware Professional is a built-in popup blocker. This is a wonderful addition for those that would otherwise go out and purchase a blocker. But, don't buy the product for its popup-blocking capabilities. It doesn't work as well as you would probably like. The software also comes with Ad-watch—Lavasoft’s answer to real-time monitoring. Ad-aware will monitor your Internet activity and warn you if your computer attempts to download spyware or adware; you have the preemptive option to cancel the installation. In addition, you can block ActiveX and web installations to minimize the risk of downloading spyware. But Ad-Aware won't offer detailed warning information as Webroot's Spy Sweeper will. It also provides rollback capabilities so you can restore components you may want to keep (deleting some components may disable some desired applications that are dependent on adware).

Ad-Aware Pro Screenshots. Click for more
       


Ease of Setup/Use:  

For the most part, Ad-Aware is easy to use. It has a clean, simple main interface. Some of the advanced options are a little confusing because they are too technical, however, and you may need to consult the Help where it's available. Despite the fact that there is an icon indicating context-sensitive help, we found that it was lacking a lot of useful information. There is also a one-step update feature that you will need to click on every couple weeks to stay updated with the latest Spyware/Adware products; automatic updates would be more convenient.

Support/Documentation:  

There is an excellent FAQs page on the website. There is also an in-depth Help file, complete with graphics that will explain some of the product's features. If all else fails there is email support, although we had trouble getting through with our support emails. 

Summary:  

Ad-Aware does a pretty good job of detecting spyware or annoying adware. The program provides some real-time protection (removing spyware as it installs) and is better than average at finding hidden components. It is especially useful for IT or technical users. On the downside, it is more expensive than most other options, including our higher-ranked products and lacks some of the features you can get with said products. Also, the technical support was less than spectacular. You would be better off with a program that has the best of both worlds.