Lavasoft is leveraging the increased scrutiny on spyware's dangers to bring its popular anti-spyware Ad-Aware software to North American retail channels, the Swedish-based vendor said Friday.

Ad-Aware is one of the Web's most popular downloads, since the basic version is free in non-commercial settings such as homes and schools. Lavasoft also sells enhanced versions, including Ad-Aware Plus, the edition it's planning to take to retail.

Lavasoft will partner with Dallas-based computer and video game publisher Tri Synergy to distribute Ad-Aware Plus in North American retail outlets during the first quarter of 2005.

While Lavasoft claims that Ad-Aware is the most downloaded anti-spyware tool, it faces competition -- even in the free-of-charge space, much less the for-a-free market -- from the likes of Microsoft, which recently released a beta of a no-charge tool, and Webroot, which has been pushing its Spy Sweeper into corporate channels.

A retail price wasn't mentioned by Lavasoft, but the online version of Ad-Aware Plus sells for $26.95, with volume discounts to businesses buying bulk licenses.