I get so many popups I can't make heads or tails of them, and I've not been able to figure out how to search for objective reviews of such products.

One click, or you can set it to run automatically on shut down, etc. Saves time from doing it manually and is more thorough.

Your second question about pop ups, I don't know.

For blocking pop-ups, I like the Google Bar. It works great, and it's free. Look here:

http://toolbar.google.com/

For reviews of various Internet washing software, try this link. I think you'll find all the major products reviewed there:

http://www.privacy-software-review.com/window-washer-review.html

Try Mozilla, I haven't seen a popup in ages.  Also has great control over cookies.  You can use Firebird, which is Mozilla but just the browser (no email, chat, address book, etc.).

Norton's Security 2004 also takes care of a lot of the things you mentioned. About $50.  Google toolbar is excellent, free and easy to use.