Lavasoft or, more formally, Lavasoft AB, is a software development corporation often referred to as the “original” anti-spyware company. The company offers a free, downloadable version of Ad-Aware titled Ad-Aware 2007 Free and three commercial versions called Ad-Aware 2007 Plus, Ad-Aware 2007 Pro, and Ad-Aware Enterprise 2.0.
Ad-Aware 2007 Free: Ad-Aware 2007 Free is Lavasoft's freeware anti-spyware software that is available for home, non-commercial use. It is offered to consumers worldwide to protect their personal and home computers from malware attacks, and has been downloaded over a quarter of a billion times. The download includes skins, help manuals and the latest definition files; however, real-time protection is not included with this version. Real-time protection and other advanced features are available in the paid versions of Ad-Aware 2007.
Ad-Aware 2007 Plus: The main difference between the Free and the Plus and Pro versions are the addition of real-time scanning. Real-time scanning means that users are protected as they use the Internet. Other additional features include automatic updating, custom scanning of specific directories, a hosts file editor and cookie blocking.
Ad-Aware 2007 Pro: Ad-Aware Pro incorporates all the features of the Free and Plus versions while also offering command line support, and the ability to scan other hard drives across a network. Two other programs are also included: Ad-Watch Connect and a Process Watch Module.
Ad-Aware SE Enterprise: Ad-Aware SE Enterprise is for businesses that want central control of all their network computers with Ad-Aware installed. It includes network tools to manage and monitor Ad-Aware across a network.