Selecting Anti-spyware for the home

With 50-60 Anti-virus and Anti-spyware products available how is a home computer user supposed to decide which one is the best choice to protect their home computers? Most home users do not have the time or desire to become an expert on AV/AS packages. One way to narrow down your choices is to check and see what the experts are saying regarding the effectiveness of different AV/AS products in detecting malware on your PC. This information changes over time, however, as new pieces of malware are discovered and AV/AS software providers update their ability to detect the new strains of computer viruses. One good place to check is the independent AV Comparatives. This group performs comparisons and ratings of AV/AS packages a few times each year.
While the data provided in their reports is well documented it is still only a measure of effectiveness given a set of new and existing threats. Another important factor to consider while shopping for an AV/AS product is usability. Products that assume an expert is using them, or require frequent user interactions, will likely be disabled by some family members who may find them too cumbersome to use. The good news is that the products reviewed allow some level of trial or free period to allow the prospective user to determine if the package is right for them.