Your Ad-Aware Questions, Answered
First off, we would like to thank all of our LN readers for the outpouring of feedback we received following the news of our product launch. We appreciate all of your comments, as your feedback keeps us in touch with your needs and how we can better meet them – to provide you and all our users around the world with the best online protection available.
In light of a few frequently asked questions, we put together the Q & A, below, to provide you with answers to some of the most commonly asked questions on the new version of Ad-Aware.
Q: I have Ad-Aware Anniversary Edition. Why should I update to this new version?
A: The new version of Ad-Aware has many new features and improved functionality that you will benefit from upon upgrading. With minimal strain on system resources and power-packed advancements to our anti-malware technology, including advanced Genotype detection technology and a rootkit removal system to protect against hidden threats and stealth attacks, Ad-Aware gives you added power online. Plus, new community-based initiatives surrounding the release, including community-driven skins, translations, and plug-ins, put even more power in your hands.
Q: How do I update to the new version of Ad-Aware Plus or Pro? Is it free?
A: If you have a valid Ad-Aware Plus or Pro license, update to the new version free of charge by clicking ‘Update now’ on the update screen that loads when you startup Ad-Aware. You can also update to the new version through the Lavasoft Support Center by following these three steps:
- Log-in to the Support Center and download Ad-Aware from the download link option in the "My downloads" menu.
- Start the installation. The previous version will be automatically uninstalled before installing Ad-Aware.
- Ad-Aware will recognize your previous license information and the Plus or Pro features will be activated automatically when the program is started.
Q: Is anti-virus protection included in Ad-Aware Free?
A: The new version of our freeware, Ad-Aware Free Anti-Malware, includes anti-spyware and anti-rootkit protection; it does not include virus protection. The Plus and Pro versions of Ad-Aware include advanced Internet security, with “triple threat” protection against viruses, spyware, and rootkits, along with other additional features.
With that said, we do plan to add anti-virus detection to the free version of Ad-Aware and are committed to providing this change to Ad-Aware Free. All discussions here at Lavasoft point to the fact that our next major product update, coming in January 2010, will include full anti-virus and anti-spyware protection for freeware users.
Q: What is MyLavasoft and how do I get involved?
A: MyLavasoft is a new community for people interested in computer security, software development, privacy issues, social communities and user experience. Our goal is to give you the power to connect with your fellow Ad-Aware users about online security, interact with Lavasoft staff, say your piece about our products, and even influence the development of our software.
You can help us build our new community and join the conversation – comment on blog posts, create your own Ad-Aware skin or browse the Skin Gallery to see designs from other users, and access the Beta Center and Support Center through only one log-in. And, it will only get better as we continue to update MyLavasoft with new features. Sign-up today!
Q: Can I use Ad-Aware on my Mac?
A: Let us start out by saying, we applaud you in your efforts to secure your Mac. In the past, Macs have been looked at as unscathed from the online scams and threats that target Windows users. However, that’s no longer the case. As more people use Macs, cyber crooks are taking notice, responding with threats designed for these systems.
But, to answer the question – no, Lavasoft does not currently offer security software for Macs. Ad-Aware cannot be used on Macs; it is only available for Windows operating systems. Additional information on system requirements is available under the “Tech Specs” tab of the Ad-Aware product pages.
Please stay tuned for additional Lavasoft product updates as we continue to work to provide you with the advanced solutions you need to safeguard your online privacy and security.
Q: What do I do if I want to use Ad-Aware, but I already have a virus program that I use?
A: There is always a chance of compatibility issues when running concurrent security products; in fact, some companies have these issues by design. At Lavasoft, we always give you, the computer user, the right to choose what's best for your system. That’s why we work to develop programs that will not conflict with other security software. Whenever a compatibility issue arises, Lavasoft’s Quality Assurance Team works to remedy the conflict immediately.
At the same time, we also give you the option to “turn off” the anti-virus detection in Ad-Aware Plus and Pro versions, if you choose to do so.
It could be beneficial for you to run multiple anti-malware programs, but it is generally not recommended to use the active protection of different security software (such as the real-time protection of Ad-Aware’s Ad-Watch feature) at the same time. If you have multiple programs running in the memory of your computer simultaneously, it may cause performance issues.
Q: Is Ad-Aware compatible with Windows 7?
A: Yes, Lavasoft released a Windows 7 compatible version of Ad-Aware upon its public launch in October.
Q: What languages is Ad-Aware available in?
A: Ad-Aware is currently available in English, French, German, Japanese, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, Italian, Dutch, Spanish, and Portuguese.
We now also give you the power to add your own language. The new XML-based language format of the user interface allows you to edit and upload translated text for others to use. Visit MyLavasoft for more information.
Q: I have a technical question about Ad-Aware. Where do I go for support?
A: Through your purchase of Ad-Aware Plus or Pro, you have unlimited access to free online customer support from Lavasoft. Please log in to the Support Center at http://www.lavasoft.com/support/supportcenter/ to contact the Lavasoft Support Team.
If you’ve been in touch with Lavasoft’s Support Team through the Support Center, you already know how easy it is to make contact, and how quick the team is to respond to your needs. Now, we’ve made things even better: Lavasoft has launched a new chat support service. Chat Support gives Lavasoft customers another convenient way to contact the Support Team for quick answers to product questions. Here's how it works: when you log-in to the Support Center, you're still able to contact the Support Team through e-mail, but you now also have the added option to click the “Chat with Support Staff” button to begin a live chat session. The choice is yours.
For product questions or information on how to rid your computer of malware, Ad-Aware Free users can take advantage of free assistance from our volunteer security network at the Lavasoft Support Forums.
|
