Ad-Aware is an anti-spyware and anti-virus program developed by Lavasoft that detects and removes malware, spyware and adware. It was originally created in 1999 and has evolved over time to incorporate additional protections such as antivirus capabilities. Lavasoft offers various versions of Ad-Aware, including free, pro, and total security editions, as well as versions for business and gaming users. Independent tests have found Ad-Aware to be effective at detecting malware, though competition from free alternatives threatens its paid versions.