The new AdAware 6 has been unleashed and it's the best version yet! As with previous versions, both paid and free versions are available, so everyone can use it, just the basic service levels are different. The most impressive improvement is the full integration of the update functions. No more downloading a .zip, then unzipping it to the correct folder, nor using an awkward second program to download the updates, the update is now part of AdAware. Just click the Web Update link on the main screen and follow the three easy instructions (Connect, Download, Install).

The free version fully scans all registries and files for hidden and obvious spyware. Several options allow the user to choose how to proceed. This comes in particularly handy for certain programs that have an advertisement component (Eudora and Opera come to mind), yet are NOT spyware. You can add them to the Ignore List and AdAware will skip the offending file or folder the next time it's run. All interfaces have been completely redone from the 5.8 version and are now more intuitive, with links and buttons doing what they are labeled to do and be.

The newest and far-reaching change is how AdWatch works in the paid versions. AdWatch is an antiadvertising component only available in the paid versions. Unlike previous versions that only warned about forbidden and banned advertisers, the new AdWatch component of the paid AdAware 6 program actually blocks things. You literally don't see it if you have it set to block. Sometimes a broken graphic image is seen, but a mouseover will reveal that it's from a forbidden or banned server (think DoubleClick or similar).

Even popups can be blocked. The one annoying facet of popup blocking is that because it uses a formula (javascript generated new_page + banned image/server) it can accidentally close the main browser window if the link followed is JS specific. As a rule, this isn't a real problem, but it is startling to see a security program take security so seriously that it closes your browser rather than let you accidentally go to a site using unsavory practices in its advertising methods. A quick right click on the AdWatch tray icon (or similar) and selecting Monitoring OFF allows the surfer to proceed to the dangerous site, but you did receive a severe warning first.

The nicest touch in how AdWatch blocks popups is that it will also block ActiveX installs if they are of the driveby type. Sometimes you really want a new plugin, but usually ActiveX drivebys are for useless, even dangerous, plugins. An ActiveX driveby refers to the habit many dangerous sites employ to automatically add an ActiveX plugin to a Windows machine without the surfer realizing what's happening. Gator, SexTracker and CometCursor all employ drivebys as their preferred method of installation.

Both the English and German LavaSoft sites have been completely redone. They now feature extensive FAQ sections and high-traffic Forums for users to ask questions and get help. The AdAware programmers frequent both Forums doling out expert advice.

Pacoima Ranch, The News Letter and GameGodz all highly recommend AdAware 6. There is no relationship between Pacoima Ranch, The News Letter nor GameGodz and AdAware other than we really, really like it! We suspect our surfers will too.