Don't pull the plug yet! (Score 1)

While spam and spyware be annoying to the point of pulling the plug, all it takes to circumvent these pests is some simple knowledge. For example, it's usually best to keep multiple email addresses: one for your 'main' that you only give out to trusted people, and one to several email accounts that are used when signing up to certain sites online. Another good way to stop spam is to use different versions of your name when you sign up to certain sites. For example, if you use "Jon" for one site, and "John" for another, you'll be able to tell where any spam came from and you'll know who to complain to. As for spyware, run Spyware: S&D and Adaware regularly; use Firefox; and be careful what you download.