In these spyware-infested times, Ad-Watch Connect is particularly useful and, should you be looking for solid all-round protection, that could make the Lavasoft Ad-Aware 2008 Pro version more tempting than Plus. In general, apart from the poor execution of RegShield, Ad-Aware does a competent job. Its overall performance, however, can be improved upon by alternative antivirus and antispyware programs.

True, your existing antivirus program likely has antispyware features of its own. But if you suspect you might have spyware on your PC and you want to double-check your antivirus program's assessment, download Lavasoft Ad-Aware 2008 Free for an extra spyware and privacy scan.

Check Point has promised updates that will, we hope, fine-tune the program's balance between protection and irritation. Meanwhile, at $29.95, ZoneAlarm ForceField is an inexpensive online safety net for those who want an extra layer of protection.

While it's not as fast as we'd like, Spyware Doctor 5.5 does a good job of cleaning up infections and uses an intuitive interface to take control of your system's security. The small sum of $10 for added anti-virus protection is an extra bonus.

Lavasoft Ad-Aware 2007 Plus is a definite step up from the freeware version, but its lacklustre performance would send us searching elsewhere for help.

Spyware Doctor 5.0 continues the good work laid down by its forebears. Indeed, we'd go so far as to suggest that Spyware Doctor might be the best anti-spyware utility available.

In the end, Grisoft AVG Antispyware 7.5 is a pretty solid program with the strongest signature database we tested, but it falls short in behaviour-based protection against unknown threats.

You could manually track down personal information on your PC with Google Desktop or another desktop search tool, but Identity Finder makes the process much easier. In addition it can dig into saved browser passwords, which neither Google Desktop nor the native Windows search can. Identity Finder works with Windows Vista, XP and 2000, and an Enterprise version is available for Windows Server 2003. You can grab a free trial version from their Web site, but it will show you only the information it has found--it won't tell you where the data is or let you take steps to protect it. Those details and capabilities will cost you.

Ad-Aware 2007 Free is a solid post-infection tool. If you don't want to dredge up the money to purchase real-time protection with Ad-Aware Plus or Pro, we recommend this free version as a utility that savvy users shouldn't be without. However, as threats become more sophisticated, the real-time protection available with the Plus and Pro versions should be a strong consideration.

As the most powerful anti-spyware program available online HijackThis is also the most complicated. It is extremely useful for removing problems other programs just can’t crack.

Combine this with other free software and you’ll ensure your PC stays well protected and operating properly.

Probably the best free anti-spyware software currently available. Combine it with a few other freebies and you’ll never be troubled by pop-ups again.