Ad-Aware 2007 Beta ready to test

Ad-Aware 2007 Beta is finally available for registered testers. Over on their blog, Lavasoft claim that over 50,000 users have already downloaded it. Anybody interested in trying it out just needs to go to the Beta registration page. If you’ve never heard of it before, Ad-Aware is one of the best free anti spyware applications out there. The program has a constantly updated database on all latest malware and will thoroughly scan your PC.

I personally received an email from Lavasoft yesterday, but the download page kept crashing. Apparently, I wasn’t the only one with this issue. Luckily, the folks at Lavasoft have worked hard fixing the problem and this morning I was able to install the Beta.

My first impressions are of a sleeker interface and a more “pro” feel compared to the old Ad-Aware. Lavasoft have already posted a full list of new features available in this version. The Ad Watch Connect feature, that protects you from “hijackers” as you browse the net, and the new advanced CSI technology, to detect malware seem to be the biggest improvements. The new Ad Aware will also have a function to clear out your cache, cookies and history from your browser in a click. The System Restore Point will keep you safe from accidentally erasing files and it seems Lavasoft have added a file editor to customize the Hosts file to improve your protection. I’ve had a few crashes, but, as the people of Lavasoft remind, that’s very likely to happen with this Beta version. Thanks to all the useful feedback and bug reports from testers, Lavasoft should be able to release the final version of Ad Aware 2007 sometime this month. We’ll make sure to let you know as soon as we’re aware of it.