How to Download Ad-Aware

Protect your computer from viruses with Ad-Aware.

Anti-virus and programs that remove adware and malware programs from your computer are a necessity these days. There are plenty of anti-virus programs for sale that will clear up your computer problems, but the fact of the matter is they are downright expensive. Norton costs $40 to $80 a year depending on how much protection you want. MacAfee will run you nearly $50 per year, and Kaspersky is almost $60 per year. Ad-Aware is an application that takes care of Internet protection for free. You can download Ad-Aware and use it for free by following a few simple steps.

Instructions

Download the free version of Ad-Aware

1. Open your Internet browser, and go to the Cnet download page for Ad-Aware (see Resources). Ad-Aware will begin downloading. Download time varies depending on the speed of your computer and Internet connection.

2. Click "Yes" if a user account control messages pops up. The installation wizard will begin. A pop-up window will appear giving the options "Run" or "Save." Click "Run" if you want the free version of Ad-Aware. If you want to get full version of Ad-Aware for free, close the window and skip to section 2.

3. Highlight the appropriate language from the drop-down menu and click "OK." Click "Next." Check the box that says "I accept the terms of the license agreement," and click "Next." Click "Next" again. Click "Install," and Ad-Aware will install. Installation time will vary depending on your computer and Internet speed.

4. Decide if you want to get email updates when the installation finishes, and check or uncheck the appropriate box. Uncheck the box that says "Restart Now" and click "Finish." An Ad-Aware Update will begin. It may take several minutes to complete depending on how many updates there are.

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6. 

Download Ad-Aware Pro for free

1. Go back to your browser when the update finishes, and scroll down the page until you see the message that says "Save $29.95 and get Ad-Aware PRO for FREE!" Type in your first name, your last name, and your email address in the appropriate text boxes. Click the green button that says "Get it Free."

2. Click on one of the offers. If you don't want to spend any money, that is fine. There are usually some free offers that will confirm instantly, or within a few hours. Click the "Click to continue" button. You will be taken to the offer page you selected.

3. Fill in all of the information on the form and submit it. Complete the TrialPay offer. When you are finished you can check the status of your TrialPay order on the Cnet download page by clicking "Check the status of my order." When the status page says your order is complete, you can check your email. You will be given a link for your free download in an email from TrialPay.

4. Click the download link in your email from TrialPay. Refer to steps 2 and 3 in section 1 to complete the download and finish the installation.

5. Restart your computer when the installation is complete. Restarting your system is necessary in order for the anti-virus and anti-spyware to take full effect.

Tips & Warnings

• If you choose to get the full version of Ad-aware for free through TrialPay, then you do not need to download the free version first. You can skip steps 3 and 4 and, go right to step 5.

• When choosing an offer to complete, try to complete one that has instant verification so you don't have to wait hours to see if it worked.

• TrialPay offers ask for credit card information, but the free offers won't charge you until the free trial is over.

• If you are not interested in the free offer from TrialPay, then as soon as you are done downloading the full version, go to the website where you completed your offer and cancel your order.

• If you don't want Google Chrome installed on your computer uncheck the box in step 3 that says "Install Google Chrome Browser."

• If you forget to cancel your order or terminate the contract, then you will be billed for the service or product.

• To complete the TrialPay order and receive your free Ad-Aware Pro you need to complete the third-party offer from the TrialPay website. If you complete a transaction directly on a third-party website, and do not start from the TrialPay website, then the checkout process will not be tracked, and you won't be credited for the Ad-Aware download.

References

• Lavasoft: Product Comparison Chart
• PCWorld: Editorial Review of Ad-Aware Free
• Cnet Downloads: Ad-Aware-Free-Internet-Security/
• TrialPay: Terms

Resources

• TrialPay
• Cnet Ad-Aware Download