Ad-Aware

Question

I have had Ad-Aware SE Plus installed on my computer and have been using it for years.  I keep getting a message that I should update to the new Ad-Aware 2007.  I did download the free version of the Ad-Aware 2007 and it says that I should buy the Plus version of this Ad-Aware 2007 so I get more features from the paid version.  I would like to know if anyone knows what the difference is between the Ad-Aware SE Plus that I purchased back in 2002 and the new version of Ad-Aware 2007 Plus that they are offering now?  Does anyone know what the difference is?  Thank you.

tommyo1954 · Answer

http://www.superantispyware.com/?tag=GOOGLE-SUPERANTISPYWARE   I don't know the differences, sorry...   But have you checked this free scanner ?  There's no way I would consider a pay-for Adaware when this one is free one and (in my opinion) is much more thorough in performance and with daily definition updating too.   Might be something you want to consider...

kjharris · Answer

Just download and install the AdAware2007 free version. It's pretty much like the SE version that you have now. That's what I did. Also, download and install SpyBot Search and Destroy 1.5 (this is also free).

Ken

CDLOUS4 · Answer

Okay so your saying if I just keep the free version of the Ad-Aware 2007 that I don't need to buy the Plus version and should download Spybot Search & Destroy, what is this program and what does it do?  I have a program called Registry Smart is that the same thing as this Spybot?  How do you use this Spybot S&D and how often?  Thanks for any info you can give me.  Are you using the free version of the Ad-Aware 2007 and how do you like it, does it work well enough?  They say that the Plus version does a lot more then the free version.  Thanks again for any input.

jec4312 · Answer

After having used AdAware SE for a few years I recently downloaded AdAware 2007 (I read that there will soon be no updates for the earlier version). I would say that it seems the same, but takes much longer to run the 'full' scan which I always used to use, so I have decided not to run that as often because I have limited time at my disposal. So far I haven't thought about uninstalling the program, I will just use one of the other scans that doesn't take so long. I haven't considered paying for the Pro version. I also use Spybot, and run a scan every say 3 or 4 days (which in itself is taking a lot longer now, about 20 minutes, as each time I update more definitions files are added). Spybot is fairly easy to use, there are plenty of tutorials on the net if you feel you need this. If you decide to use it, remember to check for updates every few days.

CDLOUS4 · Answer

I will just continue using my Ad-Aware SE Plus then.  Doesn't that Spybot do the same thing as the Ad-Aware?  I have the Registry Smart also is that program like any of these?  What does the Spybot do that these other programs don't do?  Sorry for all the questions but I have no idea what these are and just want to be sure.  Thank you for your help.

jec4312 · Answer

hi, both AdAware and SpyBot do a similar job, but I have heard people say that on occasion each picks up something that the other misses, which is why I run both. I have never used Registry Smart so can't comment on it. Do remember what I said about AdAware SE, I was told that updates would no longer be available which is why I uninstalled it and installed AdAware 2007 - if you have a security program which is no longer updated it can't check for the latest threats. So far my only 'beef' is the length of time the full scan takes, but there are three options to choose from (IIRC they are Smart, Full, and Custom)so I scan with Smart every few days and every so often I shall use the Full scan when I have the time to spare (I hate walking away from the computer when running scans).

CDLOUS4 · Answer

Okay thank you.  I will start using the Ad-Aware 2007 then if they aren't going to do updates any more for the SE.  Registry Smart is a program that scans your whole computer for anything that's not right or shouldn't be there so I will continue using that as well.  Thanks again.

kupchik · Answer

Spybot does have a program (that the free Ad-aware doesn't provide), Tea Timer, that protects your registry.  Anytime a change to your registry is attempted, you are given the option to block the change.  I don't find the Spybot scan very helpful, but the registry protection is great.

CDLOUS4 · Answer

Thanks.  How would I go about see what BIOS I currently have on my computer?  And how would I upgrade it if I had to?  I have a Dell Dimension 8200 with windows XP and bought it in 2002.

Bugbatter · Answer

Be aware that Teatimer will prevent good registry changes as well as the bad ones. That means if you do get a virus or spyware on the system, and you are running TeaTimer, it will bring it right back in spite of your cleaning efforts, so don't forget to disable TeaTimer before removing malware.

Here's some good reading on registry cleaners:
http://www.whatthetech.com/2007/11/25/do-i-need-a-registry-cleaner/

Message Edited by Bugbatter on 01-06-2008 11:38 AM

CDLOUS4 · Answer

Hi.  I understand what your saying and I agree with you.  I am learning different things about this computer so that's why I ask a lot of question so that I can learn what is right and what is wrong.  If I don't have to pay for something then that's even better for me but I don't know what is good and what's not good that is my problem.  I will not buy RegistrySmart again and will use it for the remainder of the year it was purchased for but would like more input on what is good to use and what's not and what is good that is free.  Any information would help me.  What do you suggest that works that is free?  Right now I am using the Ad-Aware 2007 free version and I have McAfee Security Suite so what do you suggest to use along with these that are free and will do a good job.  Thanks again.

tommyo1954 · Answer

None of my business..... I'm just a lil' old pc user like Joe Blow down the road... but sometimes mucking around with unnecessary programs that promise everytrhing the sun can cause more damage than if the program was not even installed. There's no substitution to sensible web surfing on the user's part.   For the heck of it, I just installed and ran that Registry Smart program referenced above. This is on my Dimension E-510 desktop that just had a complete reinstall of Windows XP Home done on it about 15 minutes ago. Not because of any problem; just my yearly maintenance routine that I do yearly on my Dells.   All of my pertinent drivers are installed, so what better time to test out this Registry Smart thing with a new, fresh reinstall of Windows. Plus...  the negative user comments I found on a websearch of it sparked my interest too.  So I ran their program to see what it might find.   Not surprisingly, it found 74 problems. Of course these 74 problems could not be repaired on this free trial version of Registry Smart. I would have to purchase the product for $ 19.00 to take advantage of the program's ability to repair my registry.  Hmmm ... something wrong with this scenario. For some reason it even detected registry errors in two programs... two programs that are not even installed here on my computer.   Personally, I think a lot of it is a psychological feeling of false security. I suppose there's nothing wrong with purchasing a program if it makes you feel better. And in this world we live in today, who wouldn't want to feel better ?  I guess I get a good feeling when I do my yearly reinstall too, lol...:smileyvery-happy: But mine is free.   So for what it's worth, and probably not too much, I guess as long as you're happy with one of those registry fixer-uppers,  then that's all that matters.

CDLOUS4 · Answer

I am confused now.  I already downloaded a software called Adware Alert 2007 and it is telling me now that it has expired so I no longer can use it unless I buy it.  Is this software different then the free version I'm hearing about called AdAware 2007?  Are these different softwares or one in the same?  I can't use my Adware Alert 2007 because it has expired so I'm thinking that this is not the same as the AdAware 2007, am I correct?

simpswr · Answer

Adware Alert 2007 is a different application from Ad Aware 2007 . . likely intended to cause the confusion. You can uninstall it and get Ad Aware 2007 ( From LavaSoft ) here

Message Edited by simpswr on 01-13-2008 08:25 AM

CDLOUS4 · Answer

Okay thanks.

Windows General

Ad-Aware

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