www.cnet.com click on downloads and find Ad-Aware 2007 FREE Spyware program.
It is FREEEEEEE!
It is a good program.
A Spy hi jacks your browser and you keep getting annoying popups.
One of the biggest reasons Spys get into computers is that if you share your computer with other family members, you don’t have absolute control about what is downloaded into it.
I know none of you guys would ever download anything questionable! I used to use Ad-Aware, but I’m a good boy now and I don’t click on bad stuff anymore. :rolleyes:
Don’t be fooled by ADWARE, it is Ad-Aware.
Doug
Add Aware is very good application. However it is not 100% proof.
As a matter of fact there is no such application.
If you spend significant amount of time on the internet you need multiple applications to protect your computer and your personal information on it.
You need an antivirus software, firewall and at least two different anti spyware applications.
My personal favorites are Etrust and Window Defender on top od Add Aware.
But there are a lot of others just as good.
UPDATE; Download the “FREE” version of Ad Aware, you do not have to pay for it.
Doug
Ad-Aware SE Personal…anti spyware…free
Spybot Search & Destroy…anti spyware…free…[be careful some copycats]
ZoneAlarm…firewall…free
AVG…anti virus…free…only run one anti virus program at once
I’ve be running these for some years with no problems…and these are often recommended by gurus…
None of this pay for annual updates nonsense
my setup except for the zonealarm, i use the ms firewall
oh and ditch ie for firefox, add the google toolbar and ad blocker plus
It’s been my experience that of the 2…Spybot Search and Destroy is the better program.
It’s always been completely free…no paid version…but the developer does except donations.
Roger…the microsoft firewall is said to be rather weak…it only blocks in one direction
Roger,
If you are running Windows XP or Vista, try Apple Safari browser, I enjoyed Firefox, but Safari is better!
Doug
I recommend CCleaner download also http://www.ccleaner.com/
I have it and it’s Free!
Free!, Free!, Free!
Doug 
Doug…I tried a registry cleaner and screwed up my computer…at least that was one possibility…I had to do a fresh install of windows …the computer people said they used ccleaner on all their repairs without any trouble…I use it now without any difficulty but I’ve been afraid to let it do the registry stuff so I have unchecked them.
Do you use it for the registry?
If you are so inclined to BUY virus/firewall/spam/spyware software; I can heartily recommend the Trend Micro Internet Security Pro suite.
When I was about to drive to McAfee HQ to choke somebody; a tech support person @ Microsoft recommended Trend Micro to me as that was what Microsoft used on their Hotmail website.
I have been using it for two years and it is WAY better than McAfee or Norton and after rebates the full blown suite is was less $$$ than either AND the license is for 3 home PC’s for that same price.
Both my brother & I uninstalled AdAware & AdWatch on our PC’s and I had a PAID license. AdWatch which may only come with the paid verson of AdAware; runs in the background and actively seeks & destroys adware. It caused me lots of problems with my PC and after I uninstalled the issues disappeared. Besides; the Trend Micro suite does the adware/spyware thing anyway.
the ms firewall works ok so far, i can only get dialup at home, so my browsing is limited
work has etrust installed, and hardware stuff
and i cant bring myself to use anyting by apple
Bamboozle,
Thanks for the info!
Doug
Ya! Dump Firefox for Safari! Waaaaay better! 
Chris,
Guess who wasn’t pleased with me switching to Apple Safari???
Doug
Windows?? lol Who?
MSN Hotmail worked for a day and then I had no access. Microsoft isn’t amused! I think one of Apple’s objectives was to make a Windows friendly browser that blew away IE.
It’s cool!
Doug