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I'm currently considering buying a high end anti-spyware product, and I'm wondering if people have any recommendations since every company out there claims to offer the best protection available.

So far I've reviewed the trial versions of:

*Counter Spy
*Webroot
*Spyware Doctor
*Spy Subtract

All of these seem very good, but I'd certainly appreciate any suggestions or information.

note:
I am already using, since they are free

*Spybot
*AdAware
*Microsoft Beta anti-spyware
*Spyware Blaster
*Spyware Guard
(in addition to a firewall and Avast anti-virus)

I'll only say that I think anyone who buys an anti-spyware for personal use is nuts, especially when he/she already has 5.

Thank you for your ever so helpful commentary Rookie. However, I was not requesting an evaluation of my sanity, I was asking for opinions on spyware.
I have my own reasons for wishing to actually purchase some.

@Rookierookie

Well, such an opinion really has no relevance in this thread, and I'd also advice you to take a look at the forum rules, especially:

#1 - Flaming, humiliating, ridiculing, or belittling other members will not be tolerated. If you have an issue with another member, take it to private messages or email.

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What is the reason you consider the ones you currently use insufficient? Without knowing your reasons, I'd advise you against buying anything since it is extremely rare that spybotS&D+adAware won't rid you malware.

Additionally, since I know you use Opera, is malware really a problem? How do you manage to contract it?

Guys, I seriously appreciate your concern for my wallet. But as I stated, what I'm interested in are opinions on the various spyware products that are out there.

Some time back I had my computer infested with viruses and spyware, despite that I was using Opera and Firefox. Further, I was regularly updating and running both AdAware and Spybot. I think I may have forgotten a critical Windows update, or maybe somebody else who was using my computer was using IE. I really don't know. However, after much grief and losing irreplaceable personal documents I am no longer willing to leave anything to chance.

So please, if you happen to have any opinions on the products I listed above, I'd really appreciate hearing them.

Security

I like the do-all from Nortons Internet Security that includes antivirus and add-blocking and anti-spy from emails and direct hacking. NIS also blocks any one trying to enter online games I host. My NIS verson is 2004 and I have never had it crash. Go to symantec.com and check it out.

Instead of spending money on anti-spyware programs and running free AV and firewall programs. (Methinks Avast! is free but I'm not entirely certain) I would also grab Symantecs combo packages and just simply supplement them with Microsoft Beta and Ad-aware.

Thats the advice of someone who is equally as paranoid, well you could always just install a linux box and write up your own proxy firewall but people tend to go for the much easier option.

Seriously, a reputable firewall and AV program will always do the job. You can never stop viruses from getting into your PC, its a bit like saying I'm not going to get hit with the flu this winter. Its just wishful thinking, but by regularly scanning and updating your system and staying away from file sharing programs, questionable websites and dodgy attachments it certainly makes life a lot easier.

However for best anti-spyware I for one really look forward to the released Microsoft software. I've been toying with the beta software both at home and in the workplace, when no one is looking. And currently thats my pick of the litter without a doubt...

Before I discovered the magic that is Microsoft Anti-Spyware, I ran a system like yours; multiple anti-spyware/adware/virus softwares. I found Webroot Spy Sweeper to be the best... detected the most and seemed to be updated most frequently.


Saying that - since MS Anti-Spyware I have seen no need for additional softwares Thus I do not "recommend" Webroot Spy Sweeper to you, but if you forced to buy one then that is the one I would go for.