Please take a look at my second post on this thread.

DA

Here is a link that might be useful: Computer help

The link below is to the AVG press release of April 23rd and shows they are indeed combining anti virus and anti spyware in the free version. Those wanting or needing more can of course buy yhe better package with more features no doubt.

Here is a link that might be useful: Press releare regarding AVG ver 8

Thanks very much to both of you. So, I won't download an anti-spyware program then.

Woah now! I would not say that. Only one anti spyware is barely enough. Most people install 2 or 3 as these do not normally run unless to set them to run. Having more than one of these allows you to use either and if in doubt use both at any given time.

There are many free ones to choose from, all with inherent strengths and weaknesses. There are also too many sound alikes which are bad news indeed so tread warily when deciding.

Here are a few reputable ones I either do or have used on my computers
Spywareblaster
Spybot Search & Destroy
Superantispyware
AdAware 2007

I also had the free AVG anti spyware program installed and was quite happy with that. We'll see how good the reports are on version 8 of their Anti virus with anti spyware built in, hopefully it will be as good as both running separately.

That's good to know. I've only ever had AVG Anti-virus and Adaware. But the last time Adaware needed upgrading, I had continual problems with the install, so I went with the AVG anti-spyware (which I was happy with, like you).

I will check on the ones you listed, then. Thanks for the recommendations, I really appreciate it.

By the way, I just ran my first scan, and avg found 101 tracers/cookies (?) whereas the 'old' avg anti-spyware usually found 40 - 60 at a time. Not sure if that's an indication whether it's better, or not, though.