We looked at Lavasoft Ad-Aware Total Security, which is Lavasoft's premium home-use internet security product. This suite includes all the modules needed to provide a broad spectrum of internet security, from parental controls to instant messaging protection to antiphishing. Though this software provides all the tools needed for a comprehensive security suite, they do not have an extensive list of recent third-party test results or certifications.

AV-Test, AV-Comparatives, West Cost Labs and International Computer Security Association have not recently tested Lavasoft antivirus. The last time they passed VB 100% tests was in August of 2010 running Windows Vista. Moreover, even a more critical negative mark to their demonstrated ability to protect, Lavasoft Ad-Aware Pro failed the VB 100% test running Windows 7 Pro in December of 2010 with 20 wildlist misses. Without a proven ability to protect from the constantly evolving emergent threats that plague the internet heavily, we cannot recommend this product.

Test results aside, Lavasoft Ad-Aware Total Security has a neat, streamlined user interface. We found basic security tools simple to configure. Through the main screen, you can easily note security statuses and real-time CPU usage. You can also easily choose from the two scanning engine choices to perform manual or scheduled scans. We particularly liked how simple it was to use Windows user profiles to create parental control profiles for children. The parental controls can block specific webpages and monitor usage. You can also create "rule sets" for each user.

This internet security software also comes with a few additional helpful tools, including a file shredder, free online backup, system tuning and data recovery tools. The file shredder can permanently destroy selected files. Lavasoft also provides up to one gigabyte of free online storage so you can securely back up data, images or music in a password-protected secure online storage space. Their data recover tool can help you recover files that were accidently deleted. The system tuning tools provide the same tools that the Windows operating system does such as a defrag tool.

Should you require assistance with Lavasoft Ad-Aware Total Security, you can contact Lavasoft by email or chat. They also provide paid support options. Helpful online information includes product manuals, FAQs and video tutorials. You can also find useful product information on their blog or support forum. They also post product and industry news via Twitter. We would like to see Lavasoft provide toll-free telephone support.