Lavasoft’s Ad-Aware Pro 2009 is probably one of the most original companies of anti-spyware that is very well-known. Even though it doesn’t seem to locate a lot of components like other products do, it is still a great solution when it comes to spyware detection. Ad-Aware Pro 2009 has well-rounded features that are set in real-time, such as instant updates, rollback skills and overall monitoring. It may not provide a lot of helpful features, though. It seems to lack an ability to have scans scheduled, while its real-time monitoring doesn’t seem to be very effective, either. Plus, it is more expensive since it is more targeted to IT experts and users who are technically-oriented. Additionally, its technical support isn’t really up to par. You could send some e-mail requests, only to get ignored or receive responses far too late. Live persons aren’t available, either.

A one-of-a-kind addition that Ad-Aware Pro 2009 has, however, would be the built-in pop-up blocker, which eliminates the need for you to buy a separate blocker. However, you shouldn’t purchase this product solely for its ability to block pop-ups since it isn’t that great at doing what it’s supposed to do. This software also has Ad-watch, which is Lavasoft’s ultimate answer to monitoring in real-time monitoring. Ad-Aware Pro 2009 can monitor your overall online activity, as well as warn you whenever your personal computer tries to download adware or spyware. You even have pre-emptive options to cancel any such installations. Additionally, ActiveX can be blocked along with other web installations in order to reduce your risk of spyware downloads. However, Ad-Aware Pro 2009 doesn’t provide any informative warning information. It can offer rollback capabilities to restore the components you might wish to keep since deleting several components could disable several desired applications which depend on adware.

Ease of Use and Setup:

Mostly, Ad-Aware Pro 2009 is just very simple to use with its simple and clean primary interface. Several of its advanced options can get a bit confusing with their technicalities, though, so you might have to head to the Help section to get help whenever needed. Aside from the fact that an icon exists, telling you where to find context-sensitive help, it still lacks tons of helpful information. You can also find a one-step feature on updates which you will have to go to every few weeks to remain updated with products of adware or spyware. Automatic updates may have been far more convenient.

Documentation and Support:

You can find a great FAQs page inside their website, as well as an in-depth file full of Help and graphics which can explain several of this product’s features. If everything else still fails, you can turn to e-mail support, even though you might have some trouble actually getting through to them for support e-mails.

Summary:

Ad-Aware Pro 2009 does quite a decent job in locating annoying adware or spyware. This program offers real-time protection as it get rids of spyware while you install it and is up to par in locating secret components. Most of all, it would be helpful for IT and technical users. Unfortunately, it costs more compared to other options out there and lacks several features that you could get with other products. Additionally, its overall technical support isn’t that great, so you might fare better with programs that are higher ranked.