The following links are for adware & spyware detection and removal tools:
Spybot - Search & Destroy - The home of
Spybot-S&D!
Ad-Aware SE Personal - Software - Lavasoft
Microsoft®
Windows AntiSpyware
What are Adware and Spyware programs?
Adware usually refers to programs which cause advertisements to appear on your computer. Often, adware programs are packaged with other programs to defray the cost of development.
For example, you might install a free program that allows you to receive weather reports or get free backgrounds and screensavers. These programs are free because they are bundled with and install adware programs on your computer. Advertisers will, in turn, pay to have advertisements fed directly to your computer. The are usually in the form of popup windows.
Spyware refers to a program that surreptitiously monitors your actions. While they are sometimes sinister, like a remote control program used by a hacker, software companies have been known to use spyware to gather data about customers. Spyware programs can also extract email information from your computer and cause you to receive spam email.
For example, a spyware program might monitor what kind of websites you visit and then send you advertisements tailored to your interests in the form of popup windows or email.
What's the downside?
Aside from the security concerns and the annoyance of advertisements, these programs can slow down your computer and your internet connection to the point that they can become useless.
How do you detect and remove or block spyware & adware?
If you have popup advertisements spontaneously appearing on your computer and your web browser (Internet Explorer) is not running, you probably have adware.
Since spyware and adware are not viruses, antivirus software typically does not detect and remove spyware and adware (but this is beginning to change).
We recommend using Ad-Aware and Spybot - Search & Destroy to clean spyware & adware from your computer. Furthermore, Spybot has an immunization feature that will help block future installation of spyware and adware.
Remember that like Viruses, there are new adware and spyware programs coming out all the time. Therefore, you will need to download updates for any spyware and adware cleaning software that you have, periodically, and prior to running your scans.
Does the Adware come back and you don't know why?
You probably have a virus. Run an online scan with Panda Antivirus Activescan. It can detect a common adware downloader virus that Norton seems to miss.