Spyware is a major problem. I use Ad-aware to fight spyware. [from Downloads.com here]
You are only a few clicks away from your free* copy of the all new Ad-aware
6 Standard Edition and the latest version of our enhanced registry editor RegHance 2.1. Ad-aware is the award winning, free*, multicomponent detection and removal utility that has consistently lead the industry in safety, user satisfaction, support and reliability.