I use "Spybot Search and Destroy" which is also free. I am now using Firefox browser instead of IE which helps in that regard.

I never used the smilies because they asked for my name and email before you can access them. I think at times I am overly cautious, and I never heard of any problems with the smilies before and I know everyone uses them. If this is an issue though I am glad you mentioned it.

I just fixes a computer for someone with the worst case of popup installations I had ever seen... as soon as he turned the computer on before even doing anything browser windows would pop up. As another tip... if ever you get a browser window asking if you want to join or get an offer or anything, and there is a "yes" button and a
"no" button... don't press either button. Close the window with the "X" in the top corner. In many cases clicking "no" has the same effect as clicking "yes"

That is even more true with email spam... it always says at the bottom "click here if you do not want to receive any more emails from us" or something. NEVER CLICK THAT! In most cases it does NOT take you off their list, but rather confirms in their database that your email address is "real" and active. People who sell the email address lists make more money with lists that have "confirmed" email addresses.

Welcome to the 21st century . Don't forget that for all the annoying stuff there is also a lot of good stuff available to us now as well.

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--http://www.idexter.com