troubles with Spyware

OK, I'm one of the most computer illiterate people you'll find on these boards, so I have no idea how to deal with this thing.

First of all, what exactly is spyware, and how does it gum up my computer?

In recent months, I keep getting messages about how the computer is 'infected with spyware' and that is interferes with certain programs. I'd believe it, since ceetain programs now automatically open whenever I turn on the computer, and the browser options always change the start-up page I choose to something else.

Question, what do I do about it? I search and find all these links about how I can download software to eliminate the problem, but I'm not sure which one to use and thought someone here could help.

Secondly, I've heard of this new browser program called Firefox that seems to help, and this one site called CW Shredder. Can anyone vouch for this stuff?

Firefox = win. Please at least try it

Spyware is basically this:

Originally Posted by UrbanDictionary.com

Spyware is basically any piece of software that is installed in your computer without your knowledge. They can do a number of things like for example, taking over a part of your system, say your internet browser and always bring you to their site whenever you type an address. There are multiple versions of these kinda programs. Another common one keeps track of what you do online and offline and sends this information to its own company, or sells them to other companies.

Now, I'd advise getting some spyware remover tools like Ad-Aware and CW Shredder, as well as Spybot Search and Destroy. You can grab these at Download.com. Make sure you run these around once every 2-3 weeks to make sure you have a Spyware free system

To protect yourself from spyware, there are three basic steps you should take, which should leave you well protected against it:

Ad-Aware SE - A good anti-spyware program which will help you get rid of spyware that has made it on to your comp.

Spybot - Search and Destroy - Same as above, bound to get what AdAware doesn't.

And lastly, to minimize the chances of you even getting spyware on your computer in the first place, replace Internet Explorer with FireFox. Studies show that the average surfer will be infected with spyware before you reach 20 minutes online with Internet Explorer. With FireFox, you lower those chances by a whole lot.

Ad-Aware SE
Spybot S & D
AVG Anti-Virus
Firefox

- Hope that helps.

EDIT: Sorry Lars, you win.