Lavasoft state: 'We believe every computer user has the right to protect their private information. We give you that right for free - no strings attached! Safeguard your personal information against cyber threats with the original Anti-Spyware solution.'

The new version has improved detection against spyware, adware, trojans, hijackers, fraud tools, rogue applications, password stealers and keyloggers. It also incorporates an enhanced rootkit removal system with faster updates & faster scans. It uses less resources giving you optimal performance and a Threatwork Submission Tool to submit suspicious files for analysis.

It has the ability to scan your RAM, Registry, hard drives, and external storage devices for known data-mining, advertising, and tracking components. Regular updates are essential to maintain a higher level of privacy while surfing.

Updates are simple and straightforward but in the free version have to be carried out manually, and the Ad-Watch Shield is deactivated as is the Process Watch, which allows you to view and terminate running processes and Hosts File Editor which allows you to block ad sites, reverse browser hijacks, assist with parental control and make other exceptions to web navigation.

All in all, it is still an excellent tool to use in conjunction with a good anti-virus program and firewall.

With close to a million downloads each week, it is a very popular anti-spyware program. It supports Internet Explorer, Firefox, or Opera browsers.

Once scanning has completed you decide what to keep and what to delete.

System requirements:

Windows Vista (32- and 64-bit), Windows XP (Home & Pro, 32- and 64-bit), Windows Server 2003, Windows 2000 (Pro & Server)

Ad-Aware 2008 Free is for personal home use only. Commercial use is prohibited and requires a license. Support is available for Free version users at the Lavasoft Support Forums.