Hi back, Spiritsongs. :-)
I use and recommend SpySweeper for some of the best real-time protection from ad/spyware, but I also keep SpyBot S&D and Adaware SE handy for the occasional double-check. :-)
I was using Zone Alarm (the free version) as my firewall, until recently, when I switched over and just let the Windows firewall work. Since both of them recommended that you only use ONE firewall, and something (I don't remember what) happened with Zone Alarm that I didn't care for, I just enabled the XP firewall, and I haven't had a bit of problem.
I've tried many of the available virus programs, and Avast! is my all-time favorite. I like the way it quietly updates itself unless there's a major change, and how little "energy" it uses. I just like the way it works, overall, and it never gives me a single problem...just does what it's supposed to do, when it's supposed to do it. Too bad more software doesn't do that! :-)
Be blessed, and have a good week!
Linda