The Security Mentor

A web site called Ars Technica has a review of anti-spyware software by Adam Baratz which points out the quirks in each program, points out that there's no good reason to pay since there's so much good free anti-spyware software, and recommends Ad-Aware. They also have an important page about how to prevent installing malicious software. It's worth your time to read what they have to say.

Eric Howes has a thorough review and test of many anti-spyware programs which takes a while to read. No need to go through the whole thing unless you're a security consultant like me. One highlight is that Pest Patrol turned in a stellar performance.

You can also get some honest advice and reviews at spywareinfo.com.

I was going to wrap this up with some general advice (like "watch out for crooked 'anti-spyware' vendors" and "don't take candy from strangers") but I can't put it any better than Eric Howes did with the spyware prevention advice in his conclusions.