how to detect adware & spyware in my notebook? how to get rid of them?

I use all of the following Free software with Windows XP SP2 and Internet Explorer with MSN toolbar and the pop-up blocker turned on and have never had a single problem with my computer sense Microsoft came out with SP2. (knock on wood.) (And be sure to keep Windows and the following software Updated)

The best Anti-virus is: AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition. (www.grisoft.com)http://www.grisoft.com/doc/289/lng/us/tpl/tpl01

The Best Spyware defense is: SpyBot Search and Destroy (http://www.safer-networking.org/en/index.html)%3C-... version

AND: AdAware SE (www.lavasoft.com)

AND Spyware Blaster (http://www.javacoolsoftware.info/kb/)

The best Firewall besides the one that comes with Windows is: Zone Alarm (http://www.zonelabs.com/store/content/co... or just (www.zonelabs.com) and select the FREE version.

These are all FREE and are all that are required. There is no reason to pay for this kind of software, except to give a donation to the writers if you can.

ALL the above programs are recommended and should be run on a regular basis. With some the free versions they must be run manually.

The best way to avoid getting any Malware (virus, Trojan's, spyware, etc) is to practice safe computing. Microsoft and many others have countless articles on the subject of safe computing. (something I think should be taught in schools)

for further information on computer safety.

NATIONAL CRIME PREVENTION COUNCIL -> http://www.ncpc.org/media/Internet_Safety.php

http://all.net/journal/50/cybercop.html

And here...

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/security/...

http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/viruses/z...

http://www.spywarewarrior.com/rogue_anti-spyware.h...

CNET these 10 programs comprise the best free security software

http://www.download.com/Best-free-security-and-spy...

Ad-aware from Lavasoft (watch the source if you Google it as there are several similarly named programs that contain adware). I also follow the Ad-Aware scan with a scan using Spybot S&D from www.safer-networking.org. Remove everything that both programs detect. I then recommend using the Google Toolbar to help block popups (a popular source for adware).

spyware doctor here is there home page and you wil need a credit card and $19.95 for the full program and the full program is not limited as the traial version does the full version scans from there on back as well as in the furture

http://www.pctools.com/spyware-doctor/download/

I recommend two programs: spybot and adaware. Find them at the link below.

get ad-aware from lavasoft.de

(it's free)

install that and do a scan, it should get most things

if you want a better, but not free solution, the go for Spy Sweeper from webroot.com