When it comes to P2P file sharing, eMule usually wins hands down but UseNeXT is an interesting, slightly more sophisticated offering which has a lot to offer.

For starters, depending on your connection, it can be remarkably quick. You can download at speeds of up to 25 Mbps with DSL/Cable and it¡s pretty constant rather than the fluctuations you often get with such services. The network also prides itself on security over it's rivals such as Limewire and eMule - with ISPs continually cracking down on users, UseNeXT promises users far more anonymity than most.

The Usenet archives are supposedly some of the biggest in the world - more than 300 Terabytes of data available at all times and they claim that around 2,000 Gigabytes of new files are added daily. The problem in the past was that UseNeXT used to be a very complicated affair that only tech geeks can handle. However, nowadays, it's been simplified to such an extent that eMule, Limewire and other P2P users will feel more than comfortable with it.

While it can't possibly hope to compete with the reach and depth of the major P2P networks, UseNeXT offers an impressive selection with some super fast downloads.

Download UseNeXT 4.81 in Softonic

While the developers claim that "Free 100% Real-Time Protection" is something that most similar programs charge for may be stretching the truth somewhat, Spyware Terminator & Web Security Guard is very powerful spyware solution.

The program includes all the options you expect to find in such a product including options to manually carry out or schedule scans as well as options to deny or allow access to certain programs to your PC. The program is not just a spyware scanner however as it also includes an antivirus scanner. The developers have also seen fit to include a "Web Security Guard" which carries out the the job that most anti-phishing and pop up blockers in Internet Explorer and Firefox already carry out. This feature also features user generated website reviews along with warnings as to whether the site could be potentially harmful or not. Note that the developers warn that if you are using an unsupported operating system (such as Windows 98 or ME), you it may be better to use version 1.9 which offers the same protection but is much lighter on resources as the one drawback of this program is that it is rather slow to start and close and can hog your memory at peak scanning periods.

This is a comprehensive security solution that has all avenues of attack covered although if you're already using a virus scanner, you may be better to stick with it as it seems the weakest part of what is generally an excellent package.

Download Spyware Terminator & Web Security Guard 2.2.3.444 in Softonic

A smart freeware program that can clear all forms of mal-ware from your computer. Spybot S&D is a powerful application that offers a default mode and an advanced mode.

When you install this program, you are immediately given the choice to update, which is of course all important when dealing with the various forms of spyware that you want to be protected from. Unfortunately, when updating, progress can seem rapid and then stop for no apparent reason, for several minutes before finishing off the job.

Once you get over that small hiccup, you are prompted to create a system backup, just in case the program happens to remove something that is actually quite important for the smooth running of your system. It should go without saying that making this backup is recommended after which you may finally immunize your system from a growing database of malicious processes.

The program has plenty of options for tweaking and customizing scans as well as some unrelated functions like the secure shredder and a start-up manager.

Although this is a powerful piece of anti-spyware software, it may be better to see it as part of your security solution. For example, team this up with Ad-Aware SE and you should be covered from practically every form of threat to your online safety.

Download SpyBot Search & Destroy 1.6.0 in Softonic

Kaspersky® Internet Security 7.0 provides you with the same proven anti-virus protection as Kaspersky Anti-Virus together with additional features including Parental Control, a personal firewall, an anti-spam filter, Privacy Control and more.

Product Highlights

• Integrated protection from all Internet threats
• Integrated antivirus protection: 1) Hourly automated database updates, 2) Preliminary behavior analysis, 3) On-going behavior analysis. New!
• Real-time scanning for email, Internet traffic and files
• Personal firewall with an IDS / IPS system. Improved!
• Protection from leaks of confidential data. New!
• Parental Control. New!
• Protection from spam and phishing
• Automatic database updates

Additional Features

• Protection from viruses, Trojans and worms
• Protection from spyware and adware
• Protection from all types of keyloggers. Improved!
• Detection of all types of rootkits. Improved!
• Protection from viruses when using ICQ and other IM clients
• Rollback of malicious changes on your PC
• Self-defense of the antivirus program from being disabled or stopped
• Tools for creating a Rescue Disk
• Free technical support

Download Kaspersky Internet Security 2009 8.0.0.357 in Softonic

ClamWin is a simple, powerful and most importantly, free antivirus checker for Microsoft Windows.

The program features an easy to use GUI and the developers claim high detection rates for viruses and spyware although it doesn't seem to find anything extra or beyond what other anti-virus scanners find. The full program is facilitated by regular virus database updates so that's its generally always updated with the latest threats to your system. Unfortunately ClamWin Portable has scheduled scans and updates disabled so that the program is not locked in huge updates every time you activate it on the move. The downside of this of course is that it's never up to date with the latest threats. The big advantage of this version of course is that you can take it pretty much anywhere on a USB stick. However, the program does not feature a real-time scanner which means that scanning for protection is down to you. You have to manually scan your system with the program every so often to see if you have been infected with anything.

Free, portable and easy to use, this is a decent anti virus solution let down by the fact that it doesn't scan in real time nor update itself automatically unless prompted.

Download ClamWin Portable 0.93.1 in Softonic

Is your PC slow in boot-up and operation? Magic Speed will make your PC faster and more efficient in five simple steps. The software package includes startup management, fixing registry errors, Disk clean-up, and memory management. It is free of charge and does not require special PC knowledge.

Magic Speed will analyze the applications that are loaded with your PC boot-up. Are you sure that you really need these applications? Being loaded, they occupy PC memory and slow down PC operation. A check-up will also include virus and spyware tests thanks to a new anti-virus engine updated on a daily basis.

Registry errors also negatively affect PC efficiency. By deleting temporary files, you will increase free space on your hard drive and speed up its operation. Make use of the unique Boost Windows option - by adding it to the startup you will experience real improvement of your PC operation.

Download Magic Speed 3.2 in Softonic

Free anti-virus software can be a mixed bag - sometimes they can do more harm than good while at others, they can save you hundreds of dollars with solid real-time protection.

Avira AntiVir PersonalEdition Classic is the free version of Avira AntiVir PersonalEdition Premium. This doesn't mean that it's any less powerful bit it does mean that many advanced features are unavailable. The program can scan up to 30 different file types and seems to have been designed with a particular focus on Trojans according to the developer blurb. Protection is served in real time and as with all virus scanners, you are immediately given the choice whether to ignore, quarantine or delete the infected file. What's nice about this scanner is that for those viruses that it can't identify or clean, it compiles a report which can then be automatically submitted to Avira's lively user forum where someone, somewhere, should be able to help. The scanner sits in your system tray bit can be expanded to show the current settings and the status of any scans in progress. Scanning is quick and it doesn't slow your machine down significantly. Unfortunately however, it provides no option for scanning incoming and outgoing mail or adware/spyware but if you're just looking for a trojan blocker/remover, it's a very solid product.

A powerful and well organised anti virus scanner that helps you get to the bottom of virus issues rather than hinders your progress.

Download Avira AntiVir PersonalEdition Free Anti-Virus 8.1.0.295 in Softonic

Registry problems are the most common reason for Windows PC to slow down and performance issues.

Reg Repair is a free registry cleaner utility which claims to delve deep into your Windows registry and find and fix potential causes of performance problems. The first problem you may encounter when installing this software however is that your antivirus checker may detect it as spyware. The reason is that it requires access to your registry which all good spyware and anti virus scanners protect. It's also because the program tries to establish a secure (https) connection with Digital Support online service which it needs to perform checkups and be updated with the latest registry threats. You may see "dsweb" displayed at some point in the alert which refers to the utility that checks for updates. The one unusual aspect of this program is that, after the simple scan and presentation of results, you can be linked directly to one of the developers online support technicians to work out what the problem is and whether it is a threat. Of course, you have to pay for this service although you can perform a basic clean for free at your own risk.

A quick and simple registry cleaner that features support from real engineers in case you are unsure or worried about deleting a particular registry entry.

Download Reg Repair 1.3 in Softonic

Maintenance tasks are usually tiring and boring. This is why a tool like PC Health Optimizer is such a great, lucky find.

This complete set of tools contains pretty much everything you need to perform basic maintenance routines on your system and keep it in perfect shape. You'll find a junk file cleaner, a memory optimizer, a Registry cleaner, a PC analysis tool and a file shredder, among many others. There's even an anti-spyware tool to make sure your PC is safe and clean.

All tools in PC Health Optimizer are perfectly organized in different categories and presented in an attractive, nicely designed interface. All you have to do is browse the program's categories and select the one you want, which will open in a separate window. They're very easy to use but there's also a complete help section in case you need it.

PC Health Optimizer may not include as many maintenance tools as other commercial apps, and also lacks advanced features – such as, for example, the ability to schedule tasks – but it's really a great choice for an unbeatable price.

PC Health Optimizer Free Edition will help you improve your system's performance with a complete pack of maintenance utilities, all neatly organized in a nice interface.

Download PC Health Optimizer Free Edition 2.5 in Softonic

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

There are many anti-virus, anti-spyware and anti-dialer software products but only a few of them can claim to provide effective protection from all types of Malware. The main reason for this is the eternal cat and mouse game played for decades between Malware programmers and the security industry.

Normal security software is limited by the fact that it can only recognize Malware for which the manufacturer has already created a signature - assuming that the manufacture even has a copy of the Malware available for analysis.

Emsi Software has now turned the tables and no longer trails behind the Malware authors. a-squared Anti-Malware does not identify damaging software purely on the basis of signatures, but also looks at how it behaves. This means that you will be protected from the hundreds of new Trojans, Worms, Dialers, Rootkits and Spyware that appear every day.

Download a-squared Anti-Malware 3.5 in Softonic

Morpheus is one of those age old P2P applications and, with support for Gnutella, eDonkey, Bittorrent and many others, probably the most versatile you can find on the market. The new version aims to turn the P2P client into the ultimate multimedia application. Does it succeed?

Morpheus has gone through a complete facelift and the new version brings a newer interface. The window is divided into 4 tabs: search results, my files, podcasts and Morpheus online, giving you an idea of what it considers important. A pane on the left side allows you to create playlists or keep track of searches and videos – although strangely not music. Morpheus lets you also sync all your downloaded files to import them automatically to iTunes. Oddly enough, the chat tool is now hidden at the top of the interface, next to help and preferences.

Morpheus wants to appear as a multifaceted app, not just a simple P2P program. It includes an embedded browser, Morpheus Online, from which you can check-out the internet or find new files to share while you’re downloading. This is particularly useful when you’re looking for new podcasts. By clicking on the podcast page button in the podcasts tab, you will be taken to Morpheus’ own podcast library. While it’s not as star studded as the iTunes library, it’s full of varied and original content. The podcast tab is wisely divided into podcast and episodes, so you can browse through what you’ve downloaded. However we were quite confused by the whole podcast downloading procedure. The progress bar is hidden in the file window of the My Files tab. Why didn’t Morpheus leave this in the podcast section?

Morpheus has also beefed-up its security. You can now select your antivirus application to automatically scan downloaded files. The program also includes solid parental control so you can enter hazardous terms into the block list to avoid your kids searching for violent or pornographic material. You can also add a password to make sure you control who has access to Morpheus. The application also introduces UDP technology to improve the performance of downloads and allow secure file sharing between 2 firewall protected PCs.

This new version comes with many interesting enhancements, but not enough to get us overexcited. Add to that the many drawbacks we found in the application. The interface for example is way too clunky, and it’s safe to say that lies in the two large ads at the top and the bottom of the program (which disappear if you buy the Pro version). The “My Files” tab has an additional file window at the bottom, which adds to the confusion in the interface. The one click burning function is something we were eager to try out but was nowhere to be seen.

However hard Morpheus tries at integrating cool features like web browsing or podcasting, we figure the application should only be used for what it’s good at i.e.P2P downloading. The program gives access to all the P2P networks, even Bittorrent, and the new version introduces safer and quicker transfer thanks to UDP technology. The other extra features in the application like the library structure or web browser felt a bit awkward, and therefore failed at turning the program into a true multimedia application. Let’s hope Morpheus gets it right in the future.

Download Morpheus Basic 5.5.1 in Softonic

If you're worried about the constant threat of spyware and malware attacking your PC, then WinPooch packs a powerful punch.

The good thing is, it's free makes special emphasis of stopping trojans and spyware using a technique known as "API hooking" which , basically provides static protection and doesn't allow anything to lock onto your registry. Alternatively it can give you the choice over whether you want a program to write in a system directory or in the registry, or else to connect to internet. The developers are keen to point out that this is in no way an anti virus checker and as such, it's a good idea to install it with one of their sister programs, ClamWin although note that this does not provide real time protection against viruses. Overall the good thing about this program is that it leaves the decision up to you over whether a program is installed or not. The downside is that it doesn't provide a real time anti virus scanner but it's easy to use and seems to be very effective at stopping anything coming through as you get plenty of alerts.

Simple to use and powerful at what it does, this is a great anti spyware blocker but would have scored more highly if it had included an anti virus checker.

Download WinPooch 0.6.6 in Softonic

Security is one of the main concerns among computer users. This is why it's important to count on reliable applications that can protect our system and data from potential dangers. Sometimes free security apps are regarded as being less safe but you might change your mind after testing AVG Antivirus.

AVG is one of the handiest antivirus systems I've seen so far (and believe me, I've tested a few). Being a smaller application, AVG may not feature such a wide range of tools or utilities as the other antivirus programs do. However, it makes up for it by offering a neat, effective protection which stays silently minimized in your system tray and only activates when needed.

This is precisely one of the best things about AVG. It works completely in the background, without the need of half the system resources and of course, without constantly bothering you with warning windows or update messages. You can just go on with your work and you won't even notice you have an antivirus application up and running. Being the free version of a complete program, AVG shows the odd nagging notification encouraging you to buy AVG Professional which may annoy the more sensitive users.

AVG features real time system protection, an email scanner (which doesn't prevent spam from coming into your mailbox though – spam filter is a Pro-only feature) and as new features in AVG 8, an anti-spyware tool and the so called LinkScanner technology to protect your web browsing. The whole package should be enough to ensure you're not infected with any virus. Also, it integrates seamlessly with Windows Explorer, thus allowing you to scan files from their context menus. AVG's virus database is automatically updated on a daily basis, so you're always protected even from the most recently discovered threats. The program supports scheduled scans as well.

AVG Antivirus remains a perfect security solution for the average computer user, providing quite a powerful weapon against viruses.

Download AVG Anti-Virus System Free Edition 8.0.100 in Softonic

Have you ever wanted an open-source portable anti-virus solution that you can use anywhere at anytime?

Protect Simple Machine is just that - a portable and free anti-virus app that fits on your USB pen and makes sure that the computer you are using is not infected by viruses, worms, Trojan horses or spyware. Created with Visual Basic, the program is incredibly simple to use and can analyze any folder or disk you choose. It also advises you on ways to "tweak" Windows so you can optimise Protect Simple Machine for more effective, faster use. It also has direct links to other Windows tools such as the command line.

Nowadays, one of the most important areas to scan is the memory and Simple Machine Protect also caters for this with a memory scanner which works alongside the disk scanner. The program warns you if it finds a virus with a very primitive "beeping" sound and it can sometimes repair them on the spot, depending on whether the database is equipped with a sufficient solution. At all times, the program lets you know at what stage the scan is at with a progress bar.

A very convenient solution for those on the move although it's a bit lightweight and tends to miss minor viruses and Trojans that more solid scanners pick up.

Download Simple Machine Protect 1.5.5.580 in Softonic

Cookies, for those who do not know, are small files that Web pages store on your hard drive to remember you for your next visit.

In some cases however, cookies are used for other purposes like tracking your movements our or obtaining statistics on your surfing behavior. These are often then used for advertising or marketing purposes. Should you not want to leave any trace of your experience, then Freedom is an ideal application for you because it carries out automatic deletion of cookies from time to time - the default is every five minutes but you can change it. Once installed, the program can work against cookies in two different ways. First it can remove all trace of them all in one go or it can work selectively taking the ones that only you ask it to. If there is a cookie in particular you want to maintain on your hard drive, Freedom has an exclusion list (White List) to ensure that some cookies are left behind.

If you want to surf in peace and are sick of pop ups, then Freedom is a simple app and incredibly efficient so make sure you definitely want it to remove the cookies you've asked it to!

Download Freedom 1.2 in Softonic

For all those concerned with the safety of their PC, Bitdefender offer this unique and comprehensive solution, which contains everything you need.

BitDefender Total Security comprises, in addition to an anti-virus program, a firewall, anti-spam, parental control and privacy, a backup utility and an optimizer. With all these tools, your PC will be safe from viruses, hackers, spyware, spam, phishing, and you can protect your children from adult content.

BitDefender antivirus Total Security also provides real-time protection against spyware and other types of malware, including rootkits dangerous. It's particularly effective at blocking spam in Microsoft Outlook 2000, 2003, 2007, Outlook Express, Windows Mail and Mozilla Thunderbird 1.5 and 2.0. There's also a useful "game mode" for gamers which reduces the impact of the program whilst you are playing to avoid affecting the performance of the game as little as possible. All in all, there's not much more you'll need although the free hourly updates do become rather tiresome especially if you have an older machine.

Everything you need in one package - an excellent protection solution for those who want the ultimate solution in one.

Download BitDefender Total Security 2008 11.0.8 in Softonic

rotects your confidential information. Keeps hackers out. Prevents theft of bank details. Keeps PCs free from viruses and spyware.Blocks spam. Protects your children on the Internet.

Enjoy truly global security with the new Panda Internet Security 2008. All your computer activity will be fully protected against identity theft and you can forget about viruses, spyware, hackers, spam, online fraud and other Internet threats. You'll also be able to make automated backup copies of your most important documents and optimize the performance of your computer.

Key features:

In-Depth online scanning

• Deep scanning of your PC with TotalScan Pro..

• The exclusive technologies in Panda TotalScan Pro allow periodic in-depth scanning to detect and delete the most sophisticated threats that can slip past traditional protection. Always protected against the most sophisticated threats!

Automated backup system

• Safeguard your files against accidental loss or damage.

• No doubt at some time or other you have lost important documents that were saved on your PC, either through unintentionally deleting them or due to hard disk problems or other accidents. With Panda Internet Security 2008 you can now make simple automatic backup copies that will let you restore these files whenever you need. You can also select the files that you want to save and make backup copies either on hard disk, CD, DVD or other external drive. Back up your files quickly and easily!

Optimized PC performance system

• Panda Tuneup: helps optimize operating system performance.

• Sometimes your computer may operate erratically or slow down for no apparent reason. In these cases, the first thing to do is to use the system's optimization and maintenance tools. Panda Internet Security 2008 helps you access these utilities directly. First it cleans out all unnecessary components (removing cookies, temporary files, items in the recycle bin, etc.) and then defragments the disk to optimize performance. Keep your computer in top shape!

Now 12 months' free online backup

• With up to 1 GB of storage space on a secure online server.

• The ability to access your most important documents securely from any computer offers numerous advantages. Panda Internet Security 2008 lets you make backup copies -quickly and simply- on a secure Internet server, with up to 1 GB of storage space for 12 months. Safeguard your information online!

Latest generation antivirus

• Automatically detects and eliminates all types of viruses.

• If content is missing from your hard disk, if you have problems starting your computer, or if some of your files are unusable, you can be sure you've been hit by a computer virus. You can be infected just by surfing the Net, downloading a file, or opening an email attachment. There are also the dangers of worms and Trojans which now use new stealth techniques to evade detection.

• With Panda Internet Security 2008 you can use the Internet and download or share files in the knowledge that you are fully protected against all types of viruses, worms and Trojans. Forget about infections!

Powerful AntiSpyware

• Keeps your PC free from spyware.

• Computer slowdowns, annoying and aggressive pop-up ads, sudden changes to your system settings... these are just some of the effects that spyware can have on your PC. The real danger however is that these threats can steal information about your Internet activity and then use it without your knowledge.

• Panda Internet Security 2008 automatically detects and removes spyware and other annoying programs. Safeguard your privacy!

Panda Identity Protect

• Secures your personal data.

• Whenever you shop or bank online, you have to provide data to verify your identity, such as your account number, credit card number or other ID. This information is sensitive and needs to be protected. The new Panda Internet Security 2008, through the Identity Protect feature, lets you know at any time when this type of data is about to be sent out of the computer so you are in control at all times. Don't let anyone access your data without your permission!

Personal bi-directional firewall

• Blocks hackers and intruders.

• When you connect to the Internet, many programs try to access your PC. Some of them are not dangerous, such as those that let you update applications you have installed, but others will try to exploit your connection or control your computer.

• Panda Internet Security 2008 includes a configurable personal firewall to stop intruders and hackers from accessing your PC. Turn your computer into a fortress!

• AntiPhishing

Protects against online fraud

• Certain emails are designed to trick you into revealing your confidential bank details. They may appear to have been sent from your bank, but they have not. Falling into the trap can be costly: it could give the phishers complete access to your accounts. Panda Internet Security 2008 can identify these fraudulent emails, and prevent you from revealing your bank details, account numbers or other confidential information.

• Panda Internet Security 2008 will keep you safe from these dangerous scams. Bank and shop online with complete peace of mind!

TruPrevent Technologies

• Double protection

• Some new threats are able to spread globally in just a few hours. In this time, your PC could be unprotected as your antivirus will not have had time to update. The TruPrevent Technologies included in Panda Internet Security 2008 detect and block these unknown threats, intelligently scanning program behavior. This means your PC will have the reinforced protection it needs. Stay one step ahead of unknown threats!

AntiRootkit

• Detects threats that try to hide on your PC.

• Rootkits can be used to hide threats and prevent them from being detected by security solutions. These threats can then act with impunity on your system. With Panda Internet Security 2008 you won't have any problem, as its reinforced protection system can detect threats that use this stealth technique. Protect yourself from hidden threats!

AntiSpam

• Automatic blocking of junk mail.

• No doubt you often receive emails from unknown or dubious senders. This avalanche of spam is time-wasting and can make it difficult to find the emails you really need to read. The reinforced anti-spam technology in Panda Internet Security 2008 automatically filters junk mail, keeping your inbox free from spam. Rid yourself of the avalanche of junk mail!

Parental control

• Restricts access to inappropriate websites.

• If you're worried about your children accessing violent, pornographic or racist content, or that your employees are wasting valuable time visiting non-work related websites, Panda Internet Security 2008 has the solution. Its content control feature can let you decide what type of web pages each user of a computer can view, with a range of custom filters (child, adolescent, employee…) You decide how the Internet should be used!

Download Panda Internet Security 2008 in Softonic

Norton has been always considered to be a synonym of security. Some of their products have been in the market for years and are used by millions of computer users around the world on a daily basis.

This new version of Norton Antivirus promises more speed and a better technology that protects your computer without interrupting your work. And I must say it really meets the expectations. I'm always afraid of anti-virus tools being too heavy on memory or displaying too many annoying messages, but Norton Antivirus did its job in an excellent way, without hogging system resources and of course, without disrupting my work.

The new Norton Antivirus 2008 displays a nicely designed interface and features some configuration settings which you can tweak to fine tune the program's behavior, including the elements that should be monitored (e-mail, messenger chats, etc.) and the possibility to schedule automatic scans.

On the downside, I found out that turning off the real-time protection can be extremely difficult –in fact there's no option to do so. I know I'm not supposed to do that, but there may be some particular cases where I prefer my antivirus to be switched off. Also, I didn't like the fact that this Norton comes bundled with the Yahoo! toolbar, although you can decline this offer during installation. Finally, bear in mind that you'll have to set up a free Norton account even if you only want to test this product during the 15-day trial.

Download Norton AntiVirus 2008 in Softonic

When it comes to crushing the evils of spyware and adware, AdAware is the undisputed king of the castle, and many people don’t even bother considering an alternative such is its popularity. However, there are a few genuine pretenders to AdAware’s crown, including the rather smart AVG Anti-Spyware.

Let’s start with a little dig at the developer’s slightly misleading branding of the product – AVG Anti-Spyware is not, in fact, a complete security suite because it doesn’t support detection of viruses and worms. It does though, do a sterling job at trawling your files for spyware and Trojans, and used in conjunction with a decent anti-virus app and a firewall you transform your PC into a fortress.

AVG Anti-Spyware boasts an incredibly simple interface and manages to cram a bevy of features into a single interface while still making everything look crystal clear. These options include a series of innovations not seen in other anti-spyware products, such as the ability to download test bugs, send infected files to the developer for testing, view and remove start-up apps with ease, and view reports of previously-saved scans. What’s more, it can automatically update the software online to obtain the latest spyware definitions.

When matched up against the might of AdAware, AVG Anti-Spyware performs admirably. Performing a full system scan with AVG Anti-Spyware is actually slightly quicker than its more popular rival, and the program managed to intercept several dubious files that AdAware missed. Having said this, when run the other way around, our tests showed that AdAware spotted dozens more than this that were ignored by AVG Anti-Spyware. Nevertheless, its ease-of-use, speed, and unique bug-bashing features make AVG Anti-Spyware a worthy alternative.

Download AVG Anti-Spyware 7.5.1.43 in Softonic