When using the free version of Lavasoft Ad-Aware, be sure to update regularly. My “ignore” list was growing and I wasn’t adding to it! Once I updated and rescanned I was able to remove tracking cookies that I couldn’t before the update.
I also found that when scanning during the day it would often get “stuck”. I don’t have that problem when I start a scan before I go to bed (usually around midnight).
I have been very happy with the free version. If I had the funds available I would pay for an upgrade with scheduled scanning.
When I got a new computer a few months ago, I didn’t add any protection. I barely had time to get my programs reloaded for things like my camera. Well, I paid later for not taking the time because I ended up with some annoying stuff on my computer.
Here are two links for free, effective, and quick protection from ads and viruses. Of course there are paid upgrades available from both. This fixed my problems right away and gave me time to look into other options for computer protection.
Ad-Aware for ads (it got rid of excessive and annoying pop-ups) and AVG for virus protection.