While reading this thread, I remembered I had Spyware Blaster and looked at it again- I have downloaded the most recent version and it's so easy. Don't have to turn it on ever..it just works!
I find the latest version of Spywre Blaster to have a slightly confusing interface. I had no trouble figuring it out, but it wasn't automatic, and the controls had non-intuitive labels. It does, however, tell you when it is enabled and when it isn't, so you know you have to do something.
The great part is that it blocks the come-ons, so kids do not have the opportunity to muck up your computer.