Ad-aware Standard Edition 6.0

By Bruce Stewart, CNET.com on 18 March 2005

If you're a penny-pincher, the free version of Ad-aware 6.0 is a good choice for spyware protection.

User rating:8.6
  • Good: Sleek new interface • Easy to use • Restores deleted files
  • Bad: Misses some spyware found by other programs
  • RRP: TBA

Spyware
Introduction
Spyware commentary
Lavasoft Ad-aware
McAfee AntiSpyware 2005
Microsoft Antispyware (beta)
Spybot Search and Destroy
Spyware Doctor
Webroot Spy Sweeper
Spyware glossary
Spyware FAQ

Ad-aware 6.0 is the granddaddy of the spyware-removal crowd. This workhorse has probably rid the world of more spyware and adware than all of the other newer antispyware programs we've reviewed combined. The Standard edition of Ad-aware 6.0 remains free and provides an excellent integrated help system. Paid versions start at US$26.95, with different pricing for home and office use. (You can download Ad-aware Standard Edition here).

After downloading Ad-aware 6.0's 1.61MB install file, installation and setup are a breeze.

Ad-aware 6.0 Standard Edition now starts with a handy status screen that displays objects removed, total number of scans, objects in quarantine, and objects to ignore. Thanks to an interface redesign, the software is now extremely intuitive to use.

New to this version: finer control over how Ad-aware scans your system, including the ability to tell it to ignore large files or specific directories, thus avoiding lengthy scans of your music or photo libraries, for example. There's also a top-level button to update the antispyware app with the latest reference file.

Ad-aware also contains safety features such as automatic quarantine and recycle-bin storage of removed components that make file restoration a snap. For example, if your favourite freeware app no longer starts after removing all the spyware from your PC, Ad-aware will easily restore the missing freeware spyware component.

Unfortunately, in our informal tests, Ad-aware didn't find as many spyware and other intrusive programs and tracking components as Spybot Search and Destroy or PestPatrol. Of those it does find, Ad-aware removes them quickly and efficiently.

Ad-aware Standard Edition 6.0 Screenshot
Ad-aware can quarantine and restore suspected spyware

Although Ad-aware 6.0's integrated help file isn't as detailed as we'd like, all users -- free and paid -- can take advantage of the Ad-aware online support forum and e-mail technical support. There is no telephone technical support available.

Download Ad-aware Standard Edition here.

Return to CNET.com.au's Spyware roundup.

Topics: spyware, quarantine, ad-aware, lavasoft, aware, standard edition, 6.0

Comments (5)

  • user gave 6/10 on 23/12/2008 15:46 Report abuse

    erererewewwww

  • belial9 gave 9/10 on 13/03/2008 19:32 Report abuse

    This version is much quicker than the newer versions, and still removes spyware exceptionally well! the SE version and the 2007 version, although appear to do more (because they take longer), but I have tried them, and all the extras it is doing, do not seem to make any difference whatsoever in your total performance output. Many people reccomend spybot instead if it's a lengthy thorough scan you want, but if it's a nice clean quick AND EFFECTIVE program you prefer, Ad-Aware 6.0 is the one you want!!

  • john mascaro gave 6/10 on 17/10/2006 12:54 Report abuse

    don't know yet

  • Anonymous gave 8/10 on 10/08/2006 20:27 Report abuse

    good

  • dj gave 1/10 on 19/03/2005 10:31 Report abuse

    excellent fast product

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