Ad-Aware Total Security 11.10

Overview:

Powered by a BitDefender security engine, Ad-Aware Total Security is now totally revamped and ready for action in 2013. Lavasoft has been at the forefront of creating great Anti-Virus utilities for many years now, and they've earned a well deserved and respected reputation among Internet security enthusiasts. 

Ad-Aware Total Security gives you real time protection, along with web, email, and network security features. It's a total package program that delivers on its promise to keep you safe through continually updated security definitions. You can download these at any time, and when there's a new virus definition file available, it automatically prompts you to download it. 

Installation:

Installation of Ad-aware Total Security is easy. The Lavasoft design team created their own front end installation program to handle it. It takes only a few short minutes and you're up and running. It should be noted that this program comes with the installation of a browser toolbar, but you can opt out of it. Other than the toolbar, there's no additional malware/spyware bundled with the program. 

Ad-Aware Total Security is compatible with Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, and Windows 8. You should also have an 800 MHz or better processor, at least 1 gigabyte of RAM, and at least 1.8 gigabytes of hard disk space available for the install. Be aware that it might take awhile for the program to download and install new virus definition files.

If you're already running another Antivirus on your PC, Ad-Aware will install itself in "Compatible mode", as a 2nd line of defense.

Interface:

The interface of Adware Total Security allows you to access all the key features quickly and easily from the main program window. From this window, you can scan your computer for viruses, enable real time protection, network protection, web protection, and email protection. You can also manage the key program settings and features via the App Management tab. 

Everything about this program is easy to use, and beginners will find no difficulty in using the program right from the start. Updates are quick and easy to apply, and will allow you to get back to your work while it installs the update patch in the background. 

There's multiple language support for this program in Hungarian, Dutch, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Simplified Chinese, Georgian, Russian, Portuguese, English, and Ukrainian. 

Pros:

The trial period lasts for a whole 30 days, so you'll be able to try out the program and everything it can do, then decide if upgrading to the full version is actually worth it. Lavasoft is a key company in the Internet security realm, so you can feel safe with Ad-Aware Total Security installed. The program is very user friendly and easy to control, and it has convenient tabs for each of the features. Simply turn the features you want on, or off, and you can move on with your work.

The full version is affordable enough, and it's not overly priced in any way. Lavasoft is also constantly working to ensure you have the very latest virus definition protection through ongoing program updates you can download and apply to the program. There's also a 30 day money back guarantee if you're not completely satisfied with your purchase.

It installs in compatible mode alongside your current antivirus if you're running one already. Really nice to see this feature.

A quick features comparison between all Ad-Aware editions can be found here. On top of Pro Security edition's features, Total Security comes with file shredding, file encrypting, and parental control.

Cons:

• Full Version License Is Only Valid For 1 Year After Purchase - You Must Renew The License Yearly To Stay Active
• Only Compatible With Windows Machines - No Mac or Linux Support

Alternatives

Norton 360 - Norton is well known for making some of the very best Internet protection products known to man. They have an expert team working 24/7 to ensure you're totally protected from all forms of electronic threats as they emerge. Norton 360 is by far one of the most well received Internet protection suites out there, and you can feel confident that you're totally protected when using this software. 

BitDefender Internet Security - For a low cost alternative to higher priced security suites, the BitDefender Internet Security package gives you total protection at a price you can actually afford. Hackers are no match for the award winning security features of this program. New virus definition updates are being released all the time, and you can be sure you're getting "Best of the Best" protection at all times. 

Conclusion:

Ad-Aware Total Security is on par with all the latest security suites out there. It has everything you need to stay safe from phishing, malware, spyware, viruses, trojans, and more. Lavasoft is a company that never stops working towards total Internet safety, and Ad-Aware Total Security delivers on their promise to keep you safe from all the new and emerging Internet threats. The price to own the full version license of this program is affordable, and the interface is quick to load and easy to navigate, even for beginners. All in all, this is a program that does its job well and includes all the most crucial security features.