Hi TA, I use ad-aware and have been using it for years, I turn off the real time monitor as it can slow the system at times, I just run a check once a week and its clears any unwanted files, but you can set it to schedule it to run when you want it to.

 Hope this helps.

I recommend ad-aware for the malware and avast for the anti virus. Both are free and both work very well, set up your firewall as well and nothing will get through unless you make that choice.

Main thing is the word FREE, they are both supported very well so I can't see why anyone would pay for something like Norton.

These are good products that have served me for years, can't always say the same for Windows, yes I'm on Vista but the support is a bit iffy at times and the updates are very iffy, just had one, 1st April that screwed my system for three days till I found out it had screwed my WiFi mouse, removed it and system now Ok.

Sorry for going off on one but at times Windows have a lot to take on board.

ad-aware and avast I have found are great and free, try them both worth using.