Ad-Aware SE is an advanced well-known spyware remover
Lots of corrupt antispyware vendors play upon its popularity releasing knockoffs. However, none of them surpass the original. We have tested Professional, Plus, and Personal editions of Ad-Aware SE on several computers, including clean and infected systems. All versions showed good results. This is the same with long history because there are tons of similar tools that offer various URL filtering, cleanup features, and attractive program functions.
The program uses an effective scan engine with heuristic analysis. It can perform the quick smart scan, full scan, or use user-defined rules to check selected locations. Ad-Aware SE is able to detect malware in the registry and memory, on all hard disks or removable media, and even within archives.
| Name | Ad-aware SE |
|---|---|
| Type | Spyware removal tool |
| Developer | Lavasoft |
| Pros | Can be used alongside other programs; easy interface; low impact on the system; fast |
| Cons | Not compatible with macOS; no support for the non-paying customer; limited free version |
| Features | URL filtering function, free application variant, various PC cleanup features, lightweight, – can run on the machine and on the older PCs |
| Plans | Free; Pro- $29.99; Total- $39.99 – for one device. Pro $39.98; Total $49.98 – for 5 devices. |
Scan reports are detailed and informative. The application has plenty of settings that allow customizing nearly every aspect of the scan, removal, monitoring, startup, logging, updates, etc. The application uses an extensive spyware reference database updated on a regular basis. Ad-Aware SE supports interface skins and is translated into several languages.
Free Personal edition lacks the functionality of commercial versions. It detects and removes pests, but doesn't have additional tools, such as Ad-Watch or Process-Watch. The free version users also have no support for customers, as the premium-paid version that have 24/7 customer support.
Ad-Aware SE Plus is better suited for personal use. It provides the real-time protection module Ad-Watch that runs in the background and prevents unsolicited software from being installed. It also blocks pop-ups and defends a web browser from hijacks.
The professional version has all the functions of SE Plus and additional features, such as Process-Watch. Process-Watch provides detailed information on running processes, their modules, and other details, which are especially useful for advanced users and professionals. It allows to find and termination secret malware tasks, not visible by other similar programs.
This is the basic-only Windows program that is providing real-time protection against malware. This is the quick scanning program that monitors the behavior and downloads of the machine. The application filters the web and block malicious pages, protects emails. It includes spam protection, banking protection, and file encryption, parental controls.
All Ad-Aware SE editions have the same clean and convenient interface and support free add-ons that extend anti-spyware functionality. It is a speedy program that takes around four minutes to check the machine and figure out what to do with findings.
The program has various bonus features and functions that can be offered for the Professional and Total versions of the spyware removal program. It includes plenty of cleanup tools and optimization. It maybe not have the power to be called a robust anti-malware tool, but can e a hand second-opinion scanner for the machine. Especially, when it can run alongside other antivirus solutions.