According to most PC magazines 80% of all computers have spyware on them.It's not all bad news, Many of these programs are very inisent.  That means the vast majority of these programs really do nothing to harm your computer.  In fact many of these programs such as games come installed on PCs right from the store.

You still need to make sure you are not infected.Most free virus scanners do nothing to stop spyware.Most free scanners do very little to protect your computer.  Read a bit more about some popular threats at on this Remove Virtumonde site or this Trojan Vundo site.  Both sites provide some good detail on spyware and how it affects your computer.

You can still scan your PC for free using many free trial programs out there.  I’m not talking about using a junk client.  Check out the sites highlighted above for a free trial of Spyware Doctor.This is the main tool we use to repair peoples commputers when they are infected with Spyware.This program is on the top of every computer magazines list.  While the program does cost money you can get a free 30 day trial.  You really only need one day because the first scan will let you know if you have infections or not.  If not then don’t worry about it.  If you are infected with spyware then you need to take action.

Once the scan is done there is a metter in most programs that will tell you the threat level.  If you see a cookie as an infection and chances are you will don’t worry about it.  These are harmless little traces that do nothing.

Another good resource is this vundo
site.The blog is mostely about Vundo but does describe how many spyware aplications work.  Remember do not purchase any spyware software or virus software without getting some feedback on it.  The other thing to remember is no free client on the market provides enough protection.  Most of these programs do not give you protection.  It’s only after you have been infected that they kick in and by then it’s often too late.