Best Spyware/Adware Programs Nowadays??

[BasketBaller]

I have been using the free Adaware 2008 and Spybot Search&Destroy for the last 2 years. A friend of mine told me not to even bother with spybot anymore because it isn't effective anymore nowadays and it would just be a waste of time. I just reformatted my computer/recovered it to factory settings, and I wouldn't mind not installing Spybot because I just have a feeling I will have more trouble with it than without. I have been using Adaware and the free AVG 2008 as my virus and adware protection and spybot warns me that it might have some conflicts with them. It gives me the option to Ignore, and so that's what I do.

QUESTION: But anyway, 2 years later, I imagine there must be newer more effective, less controlling, programs for spyware nowadays. Anyone have any suggestions, or should I just stick with the free AVG and Adaware?

P.S. I like program that don't suck up my computer resources, or slow it down, or have insane controlling power. Using Spybot, I can't deal with TeaTimer so I never install that part of it.

P.S.S Anyone have any other program suggestions that are really good to get, since I am setting my computer up now. Defrag programs, cleaner programs, registry cleaner programs, performance booster programs, etc...that are actually great and not problematic.... They don't have to be free programs, but I don't feel its necessary to have those pay-pay for programs when there are free ones that work just about as well.