What's the best sw to keep them out?

Is the pay version of Ad-Aware good enough to keep spyware off my system?
What do you people think is the best software (freeware/pay) that not just scans/detects/cleans but monitors and blocks adware/spyware bugs from intruding in the first place?

I see lots of claims from the different software creators, but I'm interested in real-world recommendations from people who actually are using something w/ success.

I've already stopped using IE in favor of Opera (love the tabs, whole page zoom, and mouse gestures). But there are some sites I still have to go back to IE for, unfortunately.

I've used the combination of Spybot & Ad-aware to some success, but I'm more interested to know whether I can have something that can block stuff out, instead of always having to scan for the adware/spyware.

I've done a casual search of the more recent threads and can't seem to find any recommendations on the BEST "blocking" type of software besides a "scanning" type. Does this board support polls? Maybe we can let people vote on their favorites. . .

I appreciate any help the experts on this board can offer.

 

interesting that you mention that. i forgot what it was called. but i know the tech at the local computer store, and he gave me the name of the best out there in his opinion, its like 30 bucks, im going back there today to buy it,. ill post back later with the name

 

Geez, I couldn't find the "edit post" button so forgive me.
What I meant by "blocking" is something that stays "resident" and detects and blocks adware/spyware intrusions.

I've seen Spybot has put something on a few of my PC's and I'm not sure if its really doing a good job or not.

Also interested in the effectiveness of sw like Pest Patrol and SpywareBlaster in the spyware tools section of this site.

Thanks Again. . .

 

Well, I'm convinced Webroot Spy Sweeper is not the answer.

I just spent a bunch of time trying to get rid of something that spybot, adaware, spy sweeper (retail) didn't do anything about. all of them updated to the latest w/ all scanning options turned on. I noticed in system32 dir there were some files aod.ll and avsnw.dll that I couldn't delete at first.

I downloaded this: http://downloads.subratam.org/VX2Finder.exe and when I rebooted I was finally able to delete them.

I'm really tired of going through this and wish there was something I can install that would just keep them all out.