Signs that spyware has infiltrated your computer:
Your home page has changed. Spyware often resets your home page without asking your permission.
You see hot links within documents, leading you to advertisements.
You get numerous “pop-up” ads, especially pornographic ads.
Your computer runs slower than it did.
For general information on spyware, search any of the following sites:
www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/default.mspx
www.cnet.com
www.zdnet.com
http://whatis.techtarget.com
Free downloads:
Spybot Search & Destroy: www.spybot.info
Zone Alarm firewall: www.zonelabs.com
AVG anti-virus: www.grisoft.com
Firefox browser: www.mozilla.org/products/firefox
Other Internet security companies:
www.mcafee.com
www.symantec.com