There are a number of security applications that reside on our ‘most popular’ list for a reason. Not necessarily because they are immensely popular, but primarily as they’ve been available for a long time, so have become tried and tested technology.

The problem with security software is that it generally doesn’t appear to be doing anything, until we experience a problem with our system. At that stage, your security software has failed and it’s time to curse, move on and look for more reliable technology. However, if it doesn’t fail, why move across to new security software?

Ad-Aware 2008 Free Edition is, as the name describes, free anti-spyware technology that has recently had a major revamp. It’s still in beta and this version is simply the first public preview of the forthcoming release. The technology has been around for ages, which is why we suggest it’s one of those tried-and-tested AV suites that we can recommend to both new and existing Ad-Aware users.

New features in the 2008 edition include a rootkit detect and removal module, a smaller footprint, full support for Windows Vista (including Vista 64-bit) and an improved user-interface.

You have to register on the Lavasoft website and obtain a beta serial code. Beta-testing of this public preview of Ad-Aware 2008 is available to anyone who registers online.