Ad-Aware PRO 2007 is an easy-to-use application that does an excellent job on Adware, but only a fair job on some of the more malicious variants of spyware.

User Interface: The newly redesigned Ad-Aware PRO 2007 interface is clean, and uncluttered; nothing fancy but easy to use. The application has a lot of helpful explanatory text on the dialogs, an informative status page with logging information and statistical data, and an online Help system.

Scanning: Ad-Aware PRO 2007 performs three types of scans: a full scan, a smart scan, and a custom scan. The Scheduler dialog enables users to schedule multiple automatic scans. In our testing, scanning detected threats in the form of registry keys, and tracking cookies. However, several malware files and installation stubs were not detected.

Real-Time Protection: Ad-Aware PRO 2007 provides real-time protection against malware via its Ad-Watch feature.

Value: The price of a 1-year subscription of Ad-Aware PRO 2007 is $39.95 for one computer. You can extend the 1-year subscription to 24 months for $53.93, or 36 months for $67.92. Ad-Aware PLUS 2007 does not have advanced command line support and proactive features such as ad-watch connect, process watch, module network, and drive scanning. The cost is $26.95 for a 1-year subscription. There is a free product, Ad-Aware FREE 2007, which does not have automatic threat updates, customizable scans, a Hosts file editor, or a number of other real-time features that make for robust protection.

Integrated Support Options: Support options include e-mail, online FAQs a Quick Start Guide and an online Help system. Help system is well written although not very detailed.

Top Features

• Cookie cleaner.
• TrackSweep cleans popular browsers’ cache, cookies, history, and last typed URLs.
• Supports Vista, XP, and Windows 2000 32-bit operating systems.
• Supports multiple browsers: Internet Explorer, Opera, and Firefox.

Pros

• Excellent privacy detection and removal (cookie cleaner.)
• TrackSweep cleans popular browsers’ cache, cookies, history, and last typed URLs.
• Plug-in support.
• Repairs damage left by malware.
• Quarantine allows recovery or deletion of detected files, which can be configured to be ignored in future scans.
• Low memory consumption: 10 Mb.

Cons

• Removal of some malware and Trojans require a reboot of system.
• Limited configuration options.
• No companion anti-virus product.
• Ad-Watch (real-time protection) must be enabled manually.
• No integrated firewall (separate product.)
• No support for e-mail or Instant Messenger protection.
• No pop-up blocker (although Ad-Watch will warn you.)
• Product does not launch a full scan after installation automatically.
• Purchase of Plus or Pro products are required in order to include real-time protection.

Installation: Installation is straightforward and typical. Upon completion of setup, Ad-Aware PRO 2007 prompts the user to start Ad-Watch, the real-time monitoring component. No reboot was necessary after installation. A manual full scan is recommended, since it does not perform this automatically.

Spyware Detection: Ad-Aware PRO 2007 provides real-time protection against malware via its Ad-Watch feature. In our testing, scanning detected threats in the form of registry keys, and tracking cookies. However, several malware files and installation stubs were not detected, and removal of some malware and Trojans required a reboot of the system. Lavasoft’s definition database currently supports over 193,000 malware signatures.

Phishing and Malicious Web site Protection: Ad-Aware PRO 2007 does not provide protection against phishing attacks and malicious Web sites.

Upgrades and Updates: User can configure how and when updates and upgrades will be performed.

Customer Support: Ad-Aware PRO 2007 users get free online Web-based and e-mail support including forums. There is also an extensive and searchable knowledge base online and a Help system. No phone support is available. Ad-Aware PRO 2007 and Ad-Aware PLUS 2007 support automatic scheduled updates of definition signatures.