Recommended Spyware/malware Removal and preventive tools

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Free Anti-Virus solutions The top 3 also have paid versions which offer more functionality
Only run one anti-virus software on your computer
More than one can cause a Conflict, and do more harm than good
In other words: If you already have AV software installed, don't install one of these
unless you intend on uninstalling your current AV first

Avast Home Edition by ALWIL

Avira AntiVir Personal Edition Classic

Microsoft Security Essentials
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Software Firewalls All have a paid versions which offer more functionality
Only run one software firewall on your computer if needed
This includes the one built into WindowsXP, Windows Server 2003 SP1, Windows Vista, Windows-7

Online-Armor by Emsisoft

PrivateFirewall by Privacyware

Zone Alarm by Check Point

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Free Cleaning utilities Tools to cleanup your temp files, cookies and other added features---Please read the instructions before using

CCleaner (Crap Cleaner)
Note: Untick the installation of Yahoo Toolbar, unless you prefer to install it

Windows CleanUp! by Steven Gould

Internet Sweeper by Allume Systems

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Free Online Malware scanners (Virus, Trojans, Worms) Ensure you set to Autoclean when possible
Safe to run, even if you have Anti-Virus software installed

BitDefender Free Online Virus Scan

Eset Online Scanner

eTrust Antivirus Web Scanner

F-Secure Online Scanner

Kaspersky's Online Scanner

Panda's Active Scan

Trend Micro's HouseCall

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Unsure about a single file on your computer, check it with one of these Online File Scanners

Kapersky's Online File scanner

These next 2 use multiple virus scanners to check if a file is bad
Jotti's Malware Scan

Virustotal

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Free Spyware/Malware Removal Tools

Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware

Super Antispyware It's free version will detect and remove thousands of Spyware, Adware, Malware, Trojans, KeyLoggers, Dialers, Hi-Jackers, and Worms.
The paid Pro version includes Real-Time Blocking of threats, Scheduled Scanning, and Free Unlimited Customer Service via e-mail.

Prevent Spyware from ever being Installed with these tools

SpywareBlaster 4.6  by JavaCool
*Will block bad ActiveX Controls
*Block Malevolent cookies in Internet Explorer and Firefox
*Restrict actions of potentially dangerous sites in Internet Explorer

Use a good Hosts file
Here's a great one, instructions on website
http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.htm