Hi. I've been a happy Ad-Aware SE user for many years now (both the Free version and the paid SE Plus 1.06 version). I've been following the general discussion/update issues/bugs/resource hogs etc. through this forum and other messages on the internet.
I noticed that the support and updates for version 1.06 will stop on December 31st 2007 (big shocker for me).
I'm a rather anxious computer user (to say the least -): I'm careful in web browsing and I only download from Usenet using Newsleecher. Like most computer users I have had some issues over the years (HD crashes etc.), but never real security threats. Of course I want it to keep it this way.
Therefore I have some questions before I decide to upgrade my license to Ad-Aware 2007:

1. Can Ad-Aware 2007 be installed OVER 1.06 or is an uninstall of 1.06 advised/required?

2. If so, what is the best and safest way the uninstall the program?

3. Is Ad-Aware 2007 stable at the moment? In other words, have most big issues that appeared right after the inital release been resolved? I would hate to downgrade back to 1.06 or to start using a different anti-spyware program.

4. Are there any know issues using Ad-Aware in combination with NOD32 v2.7 or v3.0?

5. Is there any news about the release date of the Dutch language pack for Ad-Aware 2007? English is fine for me, but my girlfriend prefers her native language.

Hi Stijnson and welcome to the forum

To answer your questions in order:

1) & 2) Always uninstall any previous Ad-Aware version before installing a new one (use "Add/Remove Programs" or the "Start > Programs> Lavasoft > Ad-Aware > Uninstall" program).

3) Yes, for almost all users - there are a few whose individual configurations are still causing installation problems, but by now they are in the minority.

4) No - I use AAW 2007 Plus and Pro in combination with NOD 2.7 without any problems at all.

5) LS is working on Language Packs and Manuals in languages other than English - there has not been any release date for these, however these should be available before much longer. Please keep an eye on Product Manuals and Lavasoft News


Same for me - I am very careful like you.

One thing that you have not mentioned is your OS - at the moment AAW 2007 supports Vista 32-bit but not Vista 64-bit - that is due out soon.

I think that you would be safe in upgrading to AAW 2007 Plus now.

Regards,

Spike

Hello spike-nz, thanks for your quick reply. I see that you are also holding back on updating to NOD32 v.3.0 for the moment
My OS is WinXP SP2, ADSL router, NOD32 2.7, Ad-Aware 1.06 SE Plus (all critical updates installed), so I don't think that will be a problem.
Two additional questions though:

1. Can I install the English version of Ad-Aware 2007 now and install the Dutch language pack later, or does this require a complete reinstall?
2. Does LS (or you personally) recommend other tools for AS-scanning?

Hi Stijnson,

Any new langauge pack will come with it's own installation instructions.


By AS, I take that you mean "Anti-Spyware"?

We do not, as a rule, recommend any one program over another - we would be debating endlessly here in the forum otherwise

As for me personally, I have Spyware Doctor (only loaded once I have turned off Ad-Watch, to avoid "realtime" conflicts) and a subscription to the online Panda ActiveScan Pro (ditto) - there is a free version of the Panda scan available also.

These are not recommendations, simply a statement of what I personally use (there are other free scanners that I use from time to time also).

Regards,

Spike

Thanks again for your reply.
Personally I have NOD32 (v2.7) and Ad-Aware SE.
Perhaps a redundant question, but does Ad-Aware also scan/detect Keyloggers, Trojans etc.?

Hi Stijnson,


Yes, please see my post to salopian1 here: http://www.lavasoftsupport.com/index.php?s...ost&p=58946

It gives links to the Lavasoft website pages regarding the Threat Analysis Index and its related pages (including screenshots). One particular page would answer your questions, TAI Categories:

Click to view attachment

Click on any item in the left-hand list for more details of each type of threat, all of which AAW scans for.

Regards,

Spike

Thanks again Spike-nz, that page is really helpful. It is also good to learn what each type means exactly.

Hi Stijnson,

That whole section of the website is useful - also, I would recommend checking the Lavasoft Blog on a regular basis, as you can find information on the latest threats together with LS News there (add the link to your Favorites).

Regards,

Spike