Lavasoft takes Ad-Aware plus Retail

From Techweb...

Lavasoft is leveraging the increased scrutiny on spyware's dangers to bring its popular anti-spyware Ad-Aware software to North American retail channels, the Swedish-based vendor said Friday.

Ad-Aware is one of the Web's most popular downloads, since the basic version is free in non-commercial settings such as homes and schools. Lavasoft also sells enhanced versions, including Ad-Aware Plus, the edition it's planning to take to retail.

Lavasoft will partner with Dallas-based computer and video game publisher Tri Synergy to distribute Ad-Aware Plus in North American retail outlets during the first quarter of 2005.

While Lavasoft claims that Ad-Aware is the most downloaded anti-spyware tool, it faces competition -- even in the free-of-charge space, much less the for-a-free market -- from the likes of Microsoft, which recently released a beta of a no-charge tool, and Webroot, which has been pushing its Spy Sweeper into corporate channels.

A retail price wasn't mentioned by Lavasoft, but the online version of Ad-Aware Plus sells for $26.95, with volume discounts to businesses buying bulk licenses.

Dan,

I have tell tell you, spyware software isn't someting to take lightly. I really never cared for Ad-Aware, although many people do. I use and recomend the full retail version of Webroot SpySweeper. It removes and blocks spyware, has a sheild which prevents browser and favorites hijacking, and it tells you if a new program is being installed, asking for your permission beforehand.

Many people have downloaded programs off of cnet.com or other sites, thinking that trial programs do the job. This is not always the case. Without updating the software, you leave yourself at risk to newer problems. Many of these trial versions, Ad-Aware included, do not have this feature.

:)

Oh I do agree with you highplains, that this stuff isn't to be taken lightly.

However, I don't really think purchasing retail software is the answer.

I mean, if the end user exercises some common sense and caution, really, everything you find on the internet as far as the free software goes, will work...

By using Firefox instead of Internet Explorer, you are already going to recieve less spyware because of the holes in IE...

Do not download and install suspect files. If it says it's a "Helper" or "Toolbar"...don't download it. The only toolbar you need, if any, is Google. If something pops up and wants to install something on your system, do not just blindly click "Yes"....do some research first. Chances are? It's spyware/malware.

A little prevention can go a long way....

And if you use that prevention? Then, the free stuff will work wonderfully...

Ad-Aware and Spybot for the Spyware removal...
AVG Antivirus for Antivirus
Zone Alarm for Firewall...

And you are correct, as I've said many MANY times to my sidework clients....these programs are ONLY as good as the definitions. If you do not keep them updated? Then they will not function to thier fullest.

And while the free version of Ad-Aware may not have as many functions as the pay version of Ad-Aware does or as SpySweeper does? The average user does not need to go out and spend 30-40 dollars just for Spyware software, when really? If they use an ounce of prevention, they will not need it. They will only need the free version.

I've used Spysweeper and yes, while it is thorough? For the average user, the interface can be somewhat clunky and unfriendly...and it also tends to be a memory hog while scanning, as well as on startup.

For those reasons, in my opinion, I will never recommend to pay for Spysweeper, when Ad-Aware will work just as good for those folks.

Well Dan,

I diagree with you. My full retail Spysweeper has 52828 defintions. Most trial versions only have less than 10000.
I had a key stroke logger that spybot, ad-aware and spy doctor could not get rid of. Spysweeper did the job.

As an advanced user, I like some of the features it has, especially the shields. I don't have a problem with memory.

However, each computer is different, as well as the habits of the people who use it. What might work for me may not work for others and vice versa. For me, it was worth the $25.

But your right, having something is better than nothing.

:)

You're right, it's very dependent upon your setup and your usage.

I got my rig tightened down pretty good. Use Kerio Firewall, NOD32 Anti-Virus and Mozilla. As spyware goes? I only get the occasional cookie.

And each program has thier faults. I've seen Spysweeper total miss some obvious things that Ad-Aware or Spybot have picked up with ease...hell, I've seen some things that all THREE of those miss and you can only diagnose with a good HijackThis log reading....

It's like Antivirus and Firewalls. In some cases, there really is no one better than the other....each user will find something they don't like about a program and will find something they do like.

The three "Big" guys in Spyware are Lavasoft, Spybot and Spysweeper. Is one better than the other? No, I don't think so. It's more user preference, I think, than anything.

Although, I think in the future? Ad-Aware, Spysweeper and Spybot will become obsolete in the sense. The line between virii and Spyware/Malware is already greyed. I think it's only a matter of time where Anti-Virus companies will have to bundle Spyware in with the Antivirus software. I'm talking like Symantec, NOD, Panda.

Originally posted by Dan_Shues
Oh I do agree with you highplains, that this stuff isn't to be taken lightly.

However, I don't really think purchasing retail software is the answer.

I mean, if the end user exercises some common sense and caution, really, everything you find on the internet as far as the free software goes, will work...

By using Firefox instead of Internet Explorer, you are already going to recieve less spyware because of the holes in IE...

I can't stand IE. Everytime that browser is used I end up with crap on my desktop. Despite my firewall. :mad:

Do not download and install suspect files. If it says it's a "Helper" or "Toolbar"...don't download it. The only toolbar you need, if any, is Google. If something pops up and wants to install something on your system, do not just blindly click "Yes"....do some research first. Chances are? It's spyware/malware.

A little prevention can go a long way....

And if you use that prevention? Then, the free stuff will work wonderfully...

Ad-Aware and Spybot for the Spyware removal...
AVG Antivirus for Antivirus
Zone Alarm for Firewall...

I have all of these that you listed. Yet recently my computer was the recipient of several malware that I haven't been able to remove. (I'm suspecting that is what it is) Plus, some of my programs won't work because there is a specific dll file missing or something like that. Won't let me sign in to the internet anymore either because of it. (Using my boyfriends pc) I honestly don't know if the missing dll thing is a result of some spyware/malware or not. Coincidence maybe? Heh....

And you are correct, as I've said many MANY times to my sidework clients....these programs are ONLY as good as the definitions. If you do not keep them updated? Then they will not function to thier fullest.

And while the free version of Ad-Aware may not have as many functions as the pay version of Ad-Aware does or as SpySweeper does? The average user does not need to go out and spend 30-40 dollars just for Spyware software, when really? If they use an ounce of prevention, they will not need it. They will only need the free version.

I've used Spysweeper and yes, while it is thorough? For the average user, the interface can be somewhat clunky and unfriendly...and it also tends to be a memory hog while scanning, as well as on startup.

For those reasons, in my opinion, I will never recommend to pay for Spysweeper, when Ad-Aware will work just as good for those folks.

It's weird how we gotta install so much on our computers just so other things don't install itself.

'ello Lynn....

I worked on a computer a few months ago with the symptoms of exactly what is going on with your computer. Wouldn't sign onto the internet. There wasn't a .dll file missing but the malware was reeking all kinds of havoc...

Went by the name of like GrandStreetAvenue, or something to that effect...

The problem with spyware and getting rid of it with any program, as I've told others....is that if a system is heavily infected, or infected with something that goes in DEEP in the computer...when you pull these files out? You could pull critical system files out because they are infected or could pull shared files out, causing other programs not to run...

In a sense, that might be what is happening to you. Shared dll files could be damaged or missing....causing things not to work.

Hmm, I'm suddenly reminded that my son uninstalled some old games that he no longer played. Also, a couple patches were d/l'ed for another game that is being played. Then the .dll incidents began happening.

There's a screen that pops up now and then with the options to rename; delete; and 2 others that I forget. (I typed 'e' to delete) It had some weird name with 'Betty' in it. Do you have any idea what that might be about?

Hmm, no that doesn't strike up any memory, Lynn....sorry.

w/o having the exact message, it's hard to diagnose...sorry.

~Dan