Ad-Aware is one of the most popular anti-spyware tools, with millions of downloads worldwide, and I bet this number will be increased with the release of Ad-Aware 2008.

Though the interface in itself hasn't changed that much, the new Ad-Aware 2008 includes a few interesting enhancements such as a noticeable improvement in stability and performance, which makes the program a lot lighter on system resources. The rootkit and threat detection tools have also been enhanced for a more efficient protection, together with an all new integrated anti-virus functionality.

Ad-Aware is very easy to install and use, especially if you've been using the previous version, because the program features a similar design. It's constantly updated with new definitions, so that you keep up with the latest online threats and also includes a system restoration point to help you recover your system from a virus or Trojan attack. I especially liked the fact that Ad-Aware supports multiple browsers, which enables you to manage web browsing traces and control your privacy online in Internet Explorer, Firefox and Opera.

The program still keeps some functions as exclusive to the Pro and Plus versions (like the customizable scans or the real-time monitor) but still, Ad-Aware 2008 Free is a reliable, effective anti-malware tool that will keep your system safe and sound without disturbing your daily workflow.

Ad-Aware 2008 features an excellent package of security tools with which you can efficiently protect your PC from virus, Trojans, spyware and other undesirable elements.

Download Ad-Aware 2008 7.1.0.8 Free in Softonic

They don't come much more comprehensive than VBA 32 Antivirus. The program consists of an on-access scanner, on-demand scanner, auto-update system, Windows Explorer context menu extension plus a host of plug-ins for e-mail clients such as The Bat!, Microsoft Outlook and Microsoft Exchange Client.

It also features a mail filter to scan incoming e-mail messages received by POP3 or IMAPv4 protocols independently of your e-mail client, a script-filter to protect users from execution of malicious scripts in Microsoft Internet Explorer and Microsoft Outlook Express and for that matter, any other applications that use the Microsoft Windows Scripting Host technology.

In terms of reliability however, the ability of this virus checker has to be questioned. In a scan, it did not pick up several pieces of malware that Ad aware had detected although they were pretty minor. However, it does work discreetly and is worth trying if your dissatisfied with your current ant virus package

Download VBA32 Antivirus 3.12.2.4 in Softonic

If you’re not impressed by P2P heavyweights such as eMule and Limewire, you might find Warez worth a try. Warez is a P2P file-sharing network based on the Ares network and offers a service similar to that of Kazaa. In fact, up to version 1.6, Warez was an exact clone of Ares Galaxy but since then has branched out to offer some interesting features of its own. As a result, Warez claims to be the third largest decentralized P2P filesharing network in the world with over 1.5 million users.

The first thing to be aware of is that although the developers claim Warez contains no spyware or adware, many users have reported problems on Softonic of pop-up ads and browser hijacks. The installation itself takes less than a minute and once done, you’re taken through a small configuration wizard similar to that in eMule. The interface is also in classic P2P style – a search bar on the left, with search type below it. If you are searching for music, one nice feature is the three windows across the top which “divide-as-you-search”. So if you search for Judas Priest, the name of the band appears in one pane, the names of all their albums in another and finally the names of all their tracks in the last one.

It's obvious that Warez is very much designed to integrate with the web more than most P2P apps. Along the toolbar at the top is a web button which takes you directly to the Warez site where you can expand your search beyond its P2P network. There’s also a torrent button which, via an easy to use wizard, allows you to post your own torrents on the Warez website. Of course, you can also download torrents using Warez. In addition, there’s also a nice media player (although it does not allow previews of partially-downloaded files) and a convenient CD ripper button to put your favourite files on disc. Of course, the chat facility comes as standard.

However, these cosmetic improvements are hardly a giant leap in the P2P world. Warez claims that its major advantage is an “advanced queuing system” and “multi-sourced swarmed downloads”. It claims particular speed advantages over Kazaa and Gnutella networks. In tests, we didn’t notice any significant difference in either download or search times between Warez and these applications although much depends on your own personal configuration and broadband network.

User opinion is clearly divided on Warez. One disgruntled Softonic user reports it has, “port hopping technology designed to get around your network security” and that “you are a fool to install this software.” Another meanwhile says, “I like that there is no spyware…an easy to use interface.” Be careful that if you do notice spyware, it may be down to other programs you downloaded rather than Warez.

In summary, a very good looking P2P and web integrated program.

Download Warez 3.2.0 in Softonic

The Google Pack is like a first aid kit for your PC: it’s small, tidy and filled with all the essentials. So what’s inside? The Firefox web browser, Ad Aware SE Personal and Norton Antivirus for protection, Adobe Reader for your PDF files, Picasa for your pictures, Google Earth to span the globe, Google Desktop to organize your files and a Google Screensaver. The Google Pack is an excellent selection of solid and essential software, half of which are from Google itself, which any new PC users should get his hands on.

First time users will appreciate the smooth download process, and a friendly interface. Once started, the Google Pack will check your computer to see if you already have any of the applications and if not will install them. The download progress bar at the top lets you know how far you are in the installation process. The application also shows the download size of each program, just in case you’re worried about the space on your PC. If you’re not sure what a program is for, roll your mouse over the title and a tooltip (or small description) will appear. Once you’re done with the pack, you can let it sit discreetly in your system tray, and call it up whenever you need it.

The Google Pack is also a Google Updater, and will regularly check that the installed applications are up to date. Beginners will be glad to know that there’s a link to the help page for every program and that you can easily uninstall each application. Another cool thing is access to more software (like Skype, RealPlayer, or Google Talk) from a link in the “installed software” tab. However one can’t help but wonder why Google didn’t just include all that software in the Google Pack. It might mean that more applications will be available in the future.

We were a bit annoyed to find out that the Google Pack installs Firefox with the Google Toolbar, a plug-in which is not completely necessary. Another irritating thing is how the Pack automatically installs all programs instead of letting you choose individual components. There’s also no refresh button to check for new updates or to reinstall software you’ve erased.

Google Pack is intended for new PC users and, although it blatantly stuffs a good number of Google applications in there, you have to recognize that all the programs it offers are top notch. Don’t waste your time on the net finding the right apps for your PC, let Google Pack set you up.

Download Google Pack 1.1.489.24609 in Softonic