Protecting yourself from spyware's

If your Web browser has been taken over by pop-up ads, or there are toolbars on your computer that you didn't download and install, your computer might be running spyware. Spyware is software that collects personal information from you without first letting you know what it's doing, and without asking for your permission. Be careful while installing free screensavers and free games that are available on internet, these free stuffs mostly contain ad-ware and spyware in them.