I ran an anti spyware program on my home pc and found 4 spy programs and 1 keystroke logger on my machine.
I'd say the only difference there is that you aren't targeted specifically.
You've got random attacks coming from various places with the intent of getting ANY info they can as opposed to already knowing who you are and making a concerted effort to find out what you're doing.
You do make an excellent point with respect to keeping firewalls, anit-virus and anti-spyware software up to date at home.
Spyware can be varying levels of seriousness, but the keylogger is a big problem. Key loggers capture things like CC numbers, passwords, etc. that "regular" spyware normally doesn't. I'd watch my CC bills very carefully for a while.
'found 4 spy programs and 1 key stroke logger'
wow. I once responded to an FR post via freepmail and I did not give my personal email address. Later received a note from the freeper at my personal email address(not Freepmail). I asked the freeper how they knew my email address but never received reply. Have not had any future emails. Hmmm, now wondering....think i'll run a spyware program too. thanks.