Always Use Protection!! - Ad-Aware SE
Written: Oct 20 '08
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Free, Powerful
Cons: Manual
The Bottom Line: If you don't mind clicking a button, Ad-Aware SE is one of the best anti-spyware programs out there!
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| rapoob2's Full Review: Lavasoft Ad-Aware SE Enterprise Edition Volume Lic... |
Whether it is your first time, or you have done it a million times, you always want to use protection when connecting to the internet. For the brand-name suckers out there, Ad-Aware SE might not do it for you. For those of you who are practical, though, and understand that you can get something better than the brand-name stuff for cheaper - and in the midst of a struggling economy, who wouldn't like that?? Brand-name suckers, that's who! - this might be the product for you. And by cheaper, I mean it's free.
Ad-Aware was originally an anti-spyware program created by Lavasoft, and it has since evolved to be much more (if you are willing to pay for more). You can now purchase versions that also include antivirus protection (a review to come later, I promise!). Ad-Aware SE is also not the most recent freeware version of Ad-Aware, although it is the version that I have had the most exposure to (I still haven't upgraded all of my computers - but I can still download definition files so I don't see a reason to). The most recent version of Ad-Aware is Ad-Aware 2008, which comes as freeware or for purchase. Let's get back on track, though, and talk about Ad-Aware SE.
What Is The Definition File?
The definition file is the file that tells Ad-Aware SE what to look for when searching for spyware. Think of it as the update file. So anytime a new spyware is knows, it will go into the definition file and tell Ad-Aware what to look for.
How Do You Download The Definition File?
Downloading the definition file is as simple as clicking a button. It doesn't require any difficult setup for searching or choosing which file to download. You merely click the button to update your definition file, and if nothing has changed since your most recent file, it tells you. If there is a new definition file to download, it will do that. Very easy and straightforward.
How Easy Is It To Run Ad-Aware SE?
Running Ad-Aware is just as simple as downloading a new definition file - you have to just click a button. It should be noted, though, that you have to click a button, the program will not automatically run for you. But running it is that easy.
Does It Slow Your Computer Down?
In my mind, the point of any spyware or antivirus program is to protect your computer from harmful things on the internet while not delivering a huge blow to your computer's performance. If, for example, you cannot do anything when your spyware program is running, you are going to cancel it, meaning it won't do its job. What's the point of that? That was one of the main reasons why I switched from Symantec to my current setup. Whenever I had Symantec running in the background, I couldn't do anything else - including open simple files like a Word document. I wound up canceling a majority of my computer scans, which I realized was pointless. Ad-Aware SE does not deliver a blow to your performance - you can run it and still do everything you normally would.
So Is Ad-Aware SE The Best Thing Since Sliced Bread?
Every anti-spyware or antivirus program is going to miss something along the way - it's virtually impossible to pick up everything, especially in the spyware department. That's why it's important to use multiple programs to keep your computer safe - I'm a big fan of using Ad-Aware and Spybot S&D together, although there are plenty of other combinations you can use. Ad-Aware SE does a great job, though, of keeping up with spyware as it comes out while not destroying your computer's performance (which is really all you can ask for from an anti-spyware program).
So Give It To Me Straight - What's The Bottom Line?
Ad-Aware SE is a freeware anti-spyware program that will protect your computer while not hindering performance or hurting your wallet. It is important to note, though, that if you are looking for mindless spyware protection, Ad-Aware SE probably isn't the right program for you. You have to click to download updated definition files and to run the program, and while that may not sound like a lot, if you do not think of it for months, your computer can get infected and you may not even know it (and what's worse, you may actually think that you are fully protected). It's not difficult, but it is something you have to do. But if you don't mind clicking a few buttons, Ad-Aware SE is a great way to protect your computer from malicious spyware for free!
Recommended:
Yes
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Member: Ryan Brennan
Location: New York, New York
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