Some anti spyware tips

Microsoft AntiSpyware is now Windows Defender

[working-freeware from Microsoft]
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security...

Windows Defender is a free program that helps protect your computer against pop-ups, slow performance, and security threats caused by spyware and other unwanted software. It features Real-Time Protection, a monitoring system that recommends actions against spyware when it's detected, and a new streamlined interface that minimizes interruptions and helps you stay productive.

a-squared trojan remover (Free Working Version for life and Proactive Premium Version)
http://www.emsisoft.com/en/software/free...

a-squared (a-squared) is a complementary product to antivirus software and desktop firewalls on MS Windows computers. Antivirus software specializes in detecting classic viruses. Many available products have weaknesses in detecting other malicious software (Malware) like Trojans, Dialers, Worms and Spyware (Adware). a-squared fills the gap that malware writers exploit. Automatic updates: In a-squared Free the updater must be run manually. The auto-update feature of a-squared Personal checks hourly for new available updates and installs them automatically. a-squared Free is freeware!

a-squared Anti-Dialer [working-freeware]
http://www.emsisoft.com/en/software/anti...

No chance for the Dialer rip off! Protect your PC with a-squared Anti-Dialer from manipulated dial up connections, which can cause a phone bill of several hundred dollars quickly. a-squared Anti-Dialer provides a complete defense against Dialers. Scan all files on your harddisks for Dialer behavior using the Dialer scanner. The integrated background guard protects the PC from new infections. As soon as a potential Dialer creates or manipulates a dial up connection, the a-squared Anti-Dialer will alert it.

Trend Micro RootkitBuster (popular) [working-freeware]
http://www.softpedia.com/get/Antivirus/T...

Trend Micro RootkitBuster is a rootkit scanner that offers ability to scan for drivers, registry entries, processes, hidden files and hooked system service. Trend Micro RootkitBuster also includes the cleaning capability for hidden files and registry entries. License: Freeware / OS: Windows All

AVG Anti-Rootkit Free [working-freeware]
http://free.grisoft.com/doc/download-fre...
AVG Anti-Rootkit Free is a powerful tool with state-of-the-art technology for the detection and removal of rootkits.

F-Secure Blacklight (Rootkit Scanner, Vista) [working-freeware]
http://www.f-secure.com/security_center/

F-Secure Blacklight is available free. Provides detection and removal of common rootkits. Commandline version available. Also supports Windows Vista (32-bit only). A standalone BlackLight Utility can be downloaded from our Security Center.

AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition [working-freeware]
Download, Information at this website :
http://www.download.com/AVG-Anti-Virus-F...
http://www.grisoft.com/

AVG Free Edition is the well-known antivirus protection tool. AVG Free is available free of charge to home users for the life of the product. Rapid virus database updates are available for the lifetime of the product, thereby providing the high level of detection capability that millions of users around the world trust to protect their computers. AVG Free is easy to use and will not slow your system down (low system resource requirements). Highlights include automatic update functionality, the AVG Resident Shield, which provides real-time protection as files are opened and programs are run, free Virus Database Updates for the lifetime of the product, and AVG Virus Vault for safe handling of infected files.

ClamWin Free Antivirus [Open Source - working freeware]
http://www.clamwin.com/

ClamWin is a Free Antivirus for Microsoft Windows. ClamWin Free Antivirus comes with an easy installer. You may download and use it absolutely free of charge. It features: High detection rates for viruses and spyware; Scanning Scheduler; Automatic downloads of regularly updated Virus Database. Standalone virus scanner and right-click menu integration to Microsoft Windows Explorer; Addin to Microsoft Outlook to remove virus-infected attachments automatically. The latest version of Clamwin Free Antivirus is 0.88.2.3 . Please note that ClamWin Free Antivirus does not include an on-access real-time scanner. You need to manually scan a file in order to detect a virus or spyware.

LAST - CHECK THIS .... botnets install backdoor downloaders.
Online Tool Developed to Check for Botnet Activity 
BotnetChecker.Com
Go To: http://botnetchecker.com/
PRWeb via Yahoo! News Wed, 12 Dec 2007 5:00 AM PST
http://news.yahoo.com/s/prweb/20071212/b...

It is estimated that 1 in 4 computers on the internet today are part of a botnet. After observing bot activity from thousands of compromised computers, local administrator develops easy way to check for botnet activity