Recently, I was alerted by a pop-up ad (titled "Spyhunter", by "Enigma") that I had spyware installed on my hard-drive, and that it could be monitoring all of my internet activity; accessing my financial accounts, investment activity, etc. I had a version of McAfee's Firewall/Antivirus software installed on my new computer about 2 months after I bought it (last June).
I thought the Firewall was supposed to stop crap like that from happening!!?? ???

I'm generally not one to air my problems out in public, but I do have a somewhat psychotic ex-employer that I know is stalking me. Myself (and a few others before me) reported his company to the FDA for many regulatory violations; I also informed several of his close competitors about some of his very unethical, sleazy, and outright illegal business practices. During the time of my employment, he (the owner & self-appointed 'President') had mismanaged this little  company
  into receivership at least twice. In 1997, this jerk was having major problems not only with his company (including various lawsuits for patent infringement, contract violations, vendor nonpayment,to name a few), but also with a messy divorce....his wife learned that he'd been having some homo-affairs....apparently one or several of his partners had AIDS, and he was forced to confess this to his wife, and they both had to undergo AIDS testing. His wife (half owner of their assets by state law) told a few people in the company and of course, soon everyone knew. (I always thought the guy was kinda "weird", but I honestly never expected that....he's fathered like 5 children, for cryin' out loud!). Anyway, lately I believe, his company has been undergoing Chapter 11 (bankruptcy) proceedings.

After I left the company, I know this sleazebag followed me to my next employer, spreading slanderous lies about me....guess he felt this was some sort of justifiable retaliation. I know I've been somewhat paranoid that possibly he's hired a hacker or two to invade my PC via the I-net (totally possible....this guy's got the money and the immorality to do some pretty dirty things!).

My question is (I'd just like some opinions): what necessary software do I need to prevent any hacker attacks?? I've got a firewall and antivirus ware now....do I need this "Spyhunter" software too (and god knows what else?)? Seems like there's some sort of Security software for every little bug, trogan, virus, whatever going around online. I sometimes wonder if these same software companies are creating these damn things so they can sell their products!?