I have several programs installed for checking what cookies and small programs are on my computer, but I don't have them set to run in the background because they are too limiting. I instead am careful in my browsing and every so often open one of these programs and scan for stuff to remove it. My firewall limits some access, and I move the cursor over the icon in the "tray" (bottom of the screen) and a right mouse click brings up a short menu so I can disable it temporarily. Keep in mind, you don't necessarily want to remove everything you find. If you don't want to keep logging on at Amazon or telling it not to create "my page" you should leave the Amazon cookies alone, etc.

The Google Toolbar has been very helpful in preventing the annoying popup ads, and that can easily be set on a case by case basis.

SRS