Spyware/Adware

The 3 best free spyware apps are Spybot, Adaware,and Microsoft(beta) 8)
Hijack This is a great help by using a log you can post in a forum, and get advice from experts in removal.
the downside is, all 3 are not good at real-time blocking or keyloggers.
It takes a combination of free and paid apps to really protect your PC.
I use Trend Micro, No Adware, Spywareblaster, Aol Spyblocker,and the 3 above.