Spyware is mainly an Active X thing, which is IE’s thing. Using an alternative browser helps because it doesn’t support active X.

I have used firefox since the days it was phoenix and have NEVER had spyware issues ever. I run a check every month or 2 but don’t have any problems. It’s also about safe browsing. Antivirus also is antivirus, while it claims to cleanup spyware, I’d prefer to stick to a spyware specific program. I use AVG antivirus and then adaware SE, spywareblaster (prevents not cleans), Spybot S&D, and Webroot Spysweeper. I use various ones to scan to make sure I can get a good range definitions to scan for spyware. Never had a problem, ever.