If your computer has been running a bit slow lately or you suspect you may have
spyware, the easiest way to remove it is to use scanning software. Ad Aware and
Spybot are my personal tools of choice. The personal version of Ad Aware is a free download as is Spybot. Although some of the tasks of these two programs overlap, I’ve found I get a more thorough cleaning and a better functioning computer by using both programs. Of course, there are other programs on the market, but do your research before downloading one. Some products claiming to detect spyware are actually themselves spyware.

Once you’ve deleted any spyware, your program(s) updated and scan your computer
regularly. I scan about once a week. You may need to scan more or less frequently
depending on your Internet usage. Keep spyware off your system by practicing some safe surfing habits.

• Know what you’re downloading. Before you download anything be sure to check it out and do some research on it. Read all documentation and licensing before installing any program.
• Don’t open email attachments you’re not certain about, even if they appear
  to come from a friend.
• Only visit web sites you’re familiar with and don’t click on banner ads or
  pop-up ads if at all possible. Get a pop-up blocker to keep the pop-ups at
  a minimum and when you close a pop-up, make sure you click on the X in the
  corner. Some ads include a CLOSE button
  or an X in the body of the ad to fool surfers into clicking on the ad.