MISCELLANEOUS TOOLS
Here is a list of tools and various other programs that can help lessen your chance of acquiring spyware/adware.
Browsers:
Current Version - Firefox
v. 1.0.4
Firefox gives the use a slim browser with a wide range of possibilities. It comes with a built -in pop-up blocker and because it is open source it is often updated and not as holey as Internet Explorer. I HIGHLY suggest this. If you are looking for a mail client that can sub in for Outlook and is free I recommend their Thunderbird version. You can get all these downloads at:
http://www.mozilla.org/products/thunderbird/
http://www.mozilla.org/products/firefox/
Google Toolbar
This is a great tool. When I worked at Microsoft we used it relentlessly. Blocking pop-ups doesn't necessarily defeat the spyware it just puts it off till you can clean it. However, by preventing a lot of the misleading pop-ups then it can prevent you from accidentally installing spyware/adware unbeknownst to you. AGAIN I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS!!
Windows XP Service Pack 2
I don't know if you are using XP but if you are you need to get this package installed. They finally built in a pop-up blocker and restricted a lot of potential spyware/adware sites by default. This file is around 200 Mb or so. That means it will take a little bit to install but trust me the wait is well worth it later.