Use antivirus to remove spyware and adware

Use an antivirus program to remove spyware and adware

Adware is any program that displays advertising banners while it is running. This may include sometimes annoying pop-up windows. Spyware is any application that collects information from the computer and sends that information to another computer over the Internet.
These programs, as well as viruses and worms, can degrade the system resources. Set up a schedule to search for and remove these types of programs.
Install an antivirus and antispyware software and use the automatic update feature to keep the virus and spyware definition files current. Use the Symantec Security Check to test the computer's exposure to a wide range of online threats. It's a free service designed to help HP customers determine their Internet security needs.

Resources
Paid solutions are often better than the free ones. Here is a list of paid solutions.

http://www.symantec.com
Symantec's antivirus products have historically always provided excellent detection and removal of malware. On the downside, that protection came at the price of often crippling system performance. That's now a thing of the past. Performance overhauls are the hallmark of Norton Internet Security 2009, which features 'pulse updates' to deliver more frequent and thus smaller signature updates, whitelisting to streamline scan times, and a lighter, sleeker footprint that installs in mere minutes.

Avira AntiVir PersonalEdition PremiumAntiVir is a consistent leader in independent antivirus tests. Avira's AntiVir PersonalEdition Premium is a low-impact, easy to use virus scanner that also the ability to make an antivirus rescue CD for your system. Also includes WebGuard to protect against malicious or compromised websites. Five euros of each purchase is automatically donated to the Auerbach Foundation, a non-profit that supports various charity and community-related services. AntiVir PersonalEdition Premium should be used in conjunction with a firewall.

McAfee VirusScan Plus
McAfee VirusScan Plus is an ideal candidate for those seeking an antivirus/firewall combination without all the bloat of traditional Internet security suites. McAfee VirusScan Plus makes an easy job of removing adware and spyware, something not all antivirus products deliver. SiteAdvisor service is including, helping to guard against malicious websites.

Kaspersky Anti-Virus Personal

Kaspersky Anti-Virus Personal offers excellent antivirus protection, perhaps unsurpassed in its ability to unpack and scan compressed files - something that trips up a lot of other vendors. Should be used in conjunction with a firewall.

5. Panda Antivirus Pro 2009

Panda Antivirus Pro 2009 combines antivirus, antispyware, antiphishing and a firewall with its highly touted behavior-based TruPrevent Technology. License covers use on up to three computers and includes free tech support via email (telephone support options are also available).

6. BitDefender Antivirus Plus

Softwin's BitDefender Professional protects against viruses, spyware, and instant messaging threats, as well as offering firewall rules to block undesirable traffic and a privacy gateway to keep your identity and preferences private while surfing the Internet.

7. Eset Nod32

Nod32 features a small footprint, low performance hit, and fast scan speeds, providing focused virus protection ideal for gamers or those with an older PC. Should be used in conjunction with a firewall.

8. AVG Anti-Malware

AVG Anti-Malware combines traditional virus protection with adware and spyware scanning, in a low impact footprint ideal for resource-strained PCs or those who just want the best performance possible out of their computers. Free tech support is available via email and the standard license includes two years of protection. Should be used in conjunction with a firewall.

9. G Data AntiVirusKit (AVK)

AntiVirusKit (AVK) provides a double layer of protection, bundling two of the best antivirus engines - Kaspersky and BitDefender - under a single, easy-to-use console. You'll want to bolster G Data's AVK with a firewall.

10. F-PROT Antivirus

F-PROT Antivirus for Windows offers a feature that's increasingly harder to find - it includes a command-line scanner that can be used to create a rescue CD for scanning the system in Safe Mode. This is a particularly effective way to remove stubborn resuscitators. Firewall not included.