[That Subliminal Kid]

Download a program called "Ad-Aware" (you can find it at download.com).

Run it. It will wipe all spy-ware off your PC, and it's easy to use.

[Boundless]

> Download a program called "Ad-Aware"

Before you do that, try ZoneAlarm (zonelabs.com).
It's a software firewall.

If you upgrade to ZA Pro, it has more ad blocking.

Even the free version will tell you about every
bit of spyware trying to "phone home", as well
as every probe from the outside world (and if
you are on a broadband connection, there are any
number of crackers trying to zombie your PC).

Order of Battle:
1. Install Anti-virus sfw
2. Install Firewall sfw (or use hdw f/w)
3. Install Ad blocking sfw

[Action-America]

I agree about Ad-Aware (that's a link to the latest retail version - older versions at download.com).  It's a great product.  I run it on all of my PC's once a month.  My Norton Firewall settings block most such spyware and I don't install any software that I am not already pretty sure about, so I have never found any spyware on any of my systems.  On the other hand, Ad-Aware has found and eliminated many spyware apps on machines belonging to my clients.

Before installing a program that you aren't sure of, go to SpyChecker or Tom-Cat.com Spyware List and search for the name of the product that you are going to install.  You will be surprised at some of the names on the list.  Notice that Aureate SpamKiller is on the list.  Use iHateSpam instead.  Also, CuteFTP is confirmed as containing spyware.  Use WS_FTP instead.  And it's not just small names either.  Windows Media Player 7 and 8 (version 9 is under investigation), Windows XP Search Assistant, Lexmark Print drivers installation, Netscape 6 through 7 (only logs use of search button) and RealPlayer 7 are just a few of the big names that are known to contain spyware.

Good Luck.