Never tried spybot, but I got rid of 99% of pop-ups by downloading the Google toolbar off the google site. It has a pop-up blocker built in and it works great! haven't noticed any reduction in speed, either. it lets you know when it's blocked a pop-up in case you're on a site where you want to receive them...one click allows pop-ups from that site. Very easy to use, and my google search bar is always there so I never have to go over to google...added bonus!