Question:
I continually get a message (pop up)that tells me that I may have spyware on my computer. Where does this come from and are there any downloads that are recommended to stop it??

Answer:
Not only do those ads send you to sites that will make you download spyware "removers" that are actually spyware themselves, but if you do get one of those popups, 75% of the time it is because you already have spyware/adware on your computer. Another good way to know if you have spyware is toolbars. If you have multiple IE add-on toolbars (Excluding the google toolbar), such as 'search toolbar' or 'clearsearch', you have spyware.

Most spyware/adware is easily cleanable using a spyware scanner, however some, will not clean using a scanner, or will clean and then reinfect your system upon reboot. Those pieces of spyware generally need removal using specialized tools created to remove that exact strain of spyware/adware and sometimes even requrire registry editing to remove them 100%.

There are 2 major scanners for spyware/adware
adaware (lavasoft.de)
spybot search and destroy (downloadable from download.com)

other than those two tools, do NOT download any spyware removers as they probably ARE spyware or will cost you money for a product you could get for free. Remember ALWAYS update your scanner before you use it.

Here are 4 more programs you will want to have to make your computer spyware/adware-less:

spywareblaster (javacoolsoftware.com)
spywareguard (javacoolsoftware.com)
adsubtract (adsubtract.com)
Mike skallas' ad blocking hosts file (www.everythingisnt.com/hosts.html)

Spyware blaster is a program that will download a list of known spyware/adware companies and servers and block your computer from accessing their systems, therefore making it MUCH harder to download spyware/adware. This program MUST be updated once it is installed and atleast once a month thereafter. Besure to enable all blocking on it. This program is free

Spywareguard is a program which will actively block spyware much in the same way that an antivirus program actively blocks viruses. This program MUST be updated once it is installed and alteast once a mont thereafter. Once you install this program you will also want to go into its settings (by doubleclicking the SG icon in your task bar) and disable the browser hijack blocking (it is more annoying than useful). Also under settings, you will want to set download protection to silently block. This program is free

Adsubtract, though not a spyware/adware blocker, will block all types of popups, banner ads, and all types of such ads that are served from known ad servers. This program actively checks the links and pictures on the sites you visit against known ad servers and if it finds an ad it replaces the ad with a blank space. This program is free for 30 days but then does cost some money, however, you will find it is well worth the money.

Mike Skallas' ad blocking Hosts file is a file that blocks MANY known ad/adware/spyware servers from being accessed by your computer. You will want to visit the site occasionally to see if there is an update for the file. This program is free.