Overview

The Ad-Aware Free Internet Security software includes a handful of features that, not too long ago, were only available for paid versions only. Besides the malware protection and antivirus features, users will also be able to enjoy what the manufacturer calls “dedicated protection.” The main role of this technology is to analyze the codes of the malware and then detect them via patterns. According to several performance tests on various tech websites, the success rate of malware detection is over sixty percent, which you must admit, is impressive.

Normally you would expect malware detection software to lower your computer’s performance, mostly because it is designed to scan all files when it accesses and checks them before the launch. Thanks to the new MagmaShield engine, you will no longer have to concern yourself with this problem. Ad-Aware Free Internet Security’s engine is designed to emulate the instructions of the processor and by comparing how opened files interact with the computer it will not only put minimum strain on the system resources, but also single out the threats faster. 

Installation

The installation process of this software utility is simple and straightforward. Some users claimed that the installation is rather slow and it usually takes more than five minutes. However, it is important to note that it all boils down to your system components. The system requirements for having the Ad-Aware operating optimally on your computer include a minimum processor of P733 and at least 512 MB RAM. This utility is compatible with Windows 2000 Pro, Windows XP, Vista or Windows 7 operating systems and you will need to allocate 300 MB space from your hard drive.

During installation, the software will not require you to install a toolbar and will not force you to set your browser’s homepage to a certain website. Considering that it is a free software utility, this is admirable. After the setup is complete, you will be asked to reboot the computer, which is a normal and somewhat necessary step for all security software.

Interface

The interface is not very different from the previous version of the Ad-Aware Internet Security. Therefore, once you launch it you will access the main interface where you have four commands, Main, Scan, Ad-Watch and Extras, each with their own sub menus. In the lower part of the interface, you can find the update, support, and a toggle button that allows you to switch from simple to advance mode. This is a pleasant surprise on the side of Ad-Aware, as you have the possibility to decide how you want to interact with it. More exactly, while the simple mode lets you set the security software and does not bother again, the advanced mode includes slightly more customization choices for all settings you made.

Pros

Even though the initial scan of your computer will take more than two hours, depending on how much space you use, later on you will be impressed by the quickness. This should not be translated into poor performance or inefficient scanning. One of the greatest features of this security software utility is the MagmaShield engine technology, which simulates the processor’s interactions and helps create code patterns for malware and other threats. Therefore, it does not only efficiently block over sixty percent of the threats, but is also does so without consuming your computer’s resources.

Cons

Although it scored significantly higher than the rest of the free security software, it still cannot detect and remove all the threats. In addition, some users have reported an error in the real-time protection system, as it does nothing until the threat launches.

Alternatives

While Ad-Aware scored higher, here are some free similar programs that you can try out: , , Iobit Security, and . Alternatively, you can also try upgrading this free utility to its . 

Conclusion

In a nutshell, the Ad-Aware is what most tech experts would consider a security software utility beyond average. Nonetheless, it scored significantly higher than its other free counterparts. Even though it is not perfected, as Lavasoft still need to work a bit on the real-time protection, all signs indicate this program is evolving in the right direction.