SpywareAdware are programs that quietly install along with other software that you download from the Internet.  Spyware can keep track of what web sites you visit, sometimes sending it back to a central location where it can be used for marketing purposes.  Spyware can also do more active spying, such as capturing keystrokes which could reveal passwords or credit card numbers.  Adware can redirect where you web surf, sending you to a competitor's web site instead of where you intended.  It might also open extra pop-up windows in an attempt to sell you some product.  One example of a program that includes spyware is Kazaa, which also installs several spyware programs as part of its installation package.  There are many tools available to help remove and prevent spyware/adware.

In January, 2005, Microsoft announced the Beta release of their new Anti-Spyware software.  It will detect and remove known spyware, improve Internet browsing safety, and stop the latest threats.  It runs very quickly, and will perform daily scans.  Read more and download the software here. 

There are other tools that can remove spyware from your computer.  Two other popular tools are the free versions of Spybot Search & Destroy and Adaware (click on link to download).  After you install it and start it running, click on the button that says "Check for Updates Now" which will download the latest signatures of the spyware programs.  Then scan your computer. Warning - Spybot and Adaware may break Kazaa or other programs that have checks to make sure the spyware isn't removed.

There are also some tools available for more advanced users.  Be VERY careful when using these tools since you can accidentally remove important programs from your computer.  There is a built-in program to Windows called "msconfig" that can be used to prevent programs from executing automatically when your computer boots.  From the Start -> Run prompt, just type "msconfig" and select the Startup menu.  Before removing any of these programs, look them up in a web search like Google to make sure they are not something you need to keep and that it is in fact some sort of spyware/adware.

Another advanced tool is HiJackThis which can find browser hijacking methods as well as other unwanted plugins, startup programs, and more.  This tool will also display info on programs you will want to keep, so again, thoroughly research any entries that HiJackThis discovers before you remove them.