New Yahoo Toolbar - will provide Spyware Protection
http://techrepublic.com.com/5100-22_11-5221367.html

While this might be a good thing for existing users of the Yahoo toolbar, I thought I'd share a few additional comments, based on some sharing I did in some other security forums.

As a starting point, I’m not a big fan of ANY added toolbars, because they can complicate IE functionality. Secondly, all searches entered into the Yahoo toolbar will be collected for market research purposes, but still that's almost like the fox guarding the henhouse as some feedback expressed.

SPYWARE PREVENTION

I stick mostly with mainstream sites and rarely have issues. I use Opera 7.50 and Mozilla Firefox 0.8 to compliment IE 6 SP1.

I recommend firewall controls, Spybot immunization. even front-end packages like PestPatrol and Spyware Blaster which can prevent infections.

Still, I use IE a lot on some key sites, so BEST PRACTICES (avoidance) will go a long way in protecting you.

SPYWARE DETECTION

On the detection side, I use Spybot and Adaware about once per month to look for adware or spyware. I rarely have issues, as I learned a long time ago "there are no free lunches on the Internet"