There are a few programs you can use to remove existent spyware and at the same time protect yourself in the future.

• Spybot-S&D: A freeware program maintained and updated with new spyware information regularly. A great tool to remove spyware from your PC, also be sure to click on the "Searh for Updates" button and then if any new updates are diplayed, make sure they are checked and then click "download updates". Additionally after you have updated click the immunization button to prevent many common spyware instances on your PC in the future.
• Ad-Aware: Another freeware program for searching and removing spyware. The interface is more user friendly, however the freeware version does not contain any sort of preventative measures against future spyware infections.
• Webroot's Spy Sweeper is an excellent product with a full-featured demo that is free to download. The free demo allows you to update your spyware definitions once. Ongoing protection and definition updates are fee-based.
• Google Toolbar: Among its other features, the Google Toolbar includes a popup blocking feature. The Google Toolbar is freeware.
  

A note about spyware protection



It is very likely that during your travels on the web you will encounter ads for products that claim to kill popups, prevent and remove spyware, and make your computer faster, all for free. The unfortunate fact of the matter is that many of the products that make these claims contain spyware themselves! The products we've linked to above do what they claim to do without installing spyware on your system. If you are ever unsure about a product, do a Google search on it before you install it. You'll find out rather quickly if it's spyware or not.