Adware is a type malware that can be installed on your computer without you knowing. It can then spy on your activities to discover what you search for and then display ads that are related to those searches. This can result in numerous unwanted ads which can be extremely distracting and slow your computer. It also poses serious security, privacy and health threats to your health and security. Adware can be used to collect data from you and then sell it to marketers.
Lavasoft, the company behind Adaware, has been creating antivirus software for a long time and is a reputable company. The program has a straightforward installation process and doesn’t require you remove your current antivirus. After it’s installed you can perform a quick custom or full scan from the main dashboard and run product updates.
There are three plans offered that include adaware: free Pro and Total. The free version offers real-time protection and download protection but does not include advertising blockage. The Pro version comes with unlimited tech assistance, web and email security, as well as a strong fire wall. It also includes an electronic lock, parental control, and a file shredder.
Ad-aware was able block 95.4 percent in AV-Comparatives’ Real-World tests for protection however it could only block 97% of zero-day samples. While these results might seem decent, they are not impressive when compared to the top performers find out here in the field. Both the Pro and Total versions of this antivirus are backed by a 30-day money back guarantee.