Recently Microsoft confirmed that to use third party antivirus solutions instead of Microsoft Security Essentials. Good news is Lavasoft recently launched its latest Ad-Aware 11 Editions in the market.
Lavasoft is one of the top Antivirus solution provider in the market, the company fully concentrated to secure all types of security vulnerabilities in PC’s. The latest Ad-Aware available as four editions,
- Ad-Aware Free Antivirus
- Ad-Aware Personal Security
- Ad-Aware Pro Security
- Ad-Aware Total Security
The installation procedure is a bit lengthier and you need to restart the system to apply the changes.
Ad-Aware Editions Details and Features
Ad-Aware Free Antivirus
Ad-Aware Free Antivirus offers features like Fast Antivirus, Download protection, Automatic threat updates, Legendary Antispyware, Safe browsing and Gaming mode.
Ad-Aware Personal Security
Ad-Aware Personal Security features a bit more than Free security offers, features including Free Antivirus features cum shop & bank online safely features, prevention from online scams and external storage scan. It is an addition to the Lavasoft Ad-Aware Free Antivirus with additional features.
Ad-Aware Pro Security
Ad-Aware Pro Security is a paid upgrade to the Ad-Aware Antivirus + Ad-Aware Personal Security. It offers additional features like powerful two-way firewall, advanced protection and real time email protection.
Ad-Aware Total Security
Ad-Aware Total Security is a paid upgrade to the Ad-Aware Antivirus + Ad-Aware Personal Security + Ad-Aware Pro Security. Features added in this version are Parental control, Digital Lock and File Shredder.
Ad-Aware Main User Interface
Ad-Aware includes a variety of security options, main user interface sports all option in left sidebar. Home includes options like Real-Time Protection, Email Protection, Web Protection, Network Protection and Gaming Mode.
Scan computer shows the options like Quick Scan, Full Scan, and Custom Scan. Using this options you can perform a Quick Scan, Full Computer Scan, and Custom Scan offers options like Scan Archives, Scan processes, Deep Scan, Scan rootkits, Scan cookies, Smart scan, Scan email, Scan registry and Scan boot sectors, you skip individual items by unchecking the box.
Real-Time protection detects malware immediately before it harms your PC. It is a good way to stop sudden malware attacks to your PC.
Web-Protection blocks Anti-Pishing elements like credit card stealing and data theft. Parental Control blocks the access to the adult sites like porn and gambling from children, a security key is required to customize the changes.
In Email protection, you can turn on or turn off the protection, you can customize the protection level from low to High.
Network Protection simply monitors all network activity and stops malware from infecting your system.
App Management enables you to customizable settings like Gaming Mode, System Reset, Notification Center, Ignore Notifications and Language settings etc. You can access notifications and licensing options here.
Usage
Lavasoft Ad-Aware is a combination of two powerful technologies which delivers outstanding protection against security threats. According to test results Ad-Aware scores more than Avast and AVG in Antivirus in Virus attacks, Malwarebytes Anti-Malware and SUPERAntiSpyware in malware detection. Usage of the all editions are same only features are vary, scanning time depends on the Hard disk size of the system.
Pros
- Decent user interface
- Features
- Scan times
Cons
- Features need to be installed separately after installation and each update requires reboot.
Minimum System Requirements
Processor: 800 MHz or better
RAM: 1 GB
Hard Disk: 1.8 GB free space (at least 800 MB on the system drive)
Overall it is a very decent performer in PC security, I personally tested all editions of Ad-Aware in our lab with infected laptops and desktops on separate networks. It detects viruses and malwares effectively, quick Scan completed in just 4.24 min of time where as Full Scan takes more than 1 Hour time.