So, your computer keeps slowing down for no apparent reason. You don't have any fancy anti-virus program like Norton or McAfee. You think you have spyware, but you're unsure. Here are a few easy ways to check.
Steps
First, check to see if the problem is adware or your own programs that are just lagging up your computer. Open the Task Manager [CTRL + ALT + DEL] and look at the processes tab. Find any processes that have an abnormally high Memory Usage. If you don't recognize their names, you may have spyware, however, you should not try to disable them in the Task Manager.
#Adware often comes 'packaged' with other programs such from places such as Yahoo! and Smiley Central. By not installing/downloading these programs you minimize the amount of adware/spyware you get. Delete these programs first.
For all other Spyware/Adware download a free, easy-to-use anti-adware program like Spybot-S&D or AdAware. AdAware is a bit easier and is recommended for unexperienced users. NOTE: These programs will catch what the other misses so install both.
Also there is free 'AVG free edition': "AVG" which is a free anti virus program, and should find any or most virus' and Trojan horses in your system, and that gives the same protection as Norton or McAfee, and that sends regular updates automatically and by request.
Use a browser such as Mozilla Firefox, which blocks most adware.
Also, Microsoft's Windows Defender provides real-time scanning of your system, and has a comprehensive definitions library that does an excellent job of detecting spyware.
Tips
Not all anti-virus programs offer anti-adware or anti-spyware protection.
Spyware is defined as "Software that sends information about your Web surfing habits to its Web site." [www.spywaredetection.org/spyware-glossary.htm]
Adware is considered "to go beyond the reasonable advertising that one might expect from freeware or shareware." "Adware is often combined with a host application that is provided at no charge as long as the user agrees to accept the adware." [*www.100best-web-hosting.com/glossary.html] [*www.microsoft.com/security/glossary.mspx]
Warnings
As stated above, some spyware/adware is required by certain programs for those programs to keep running. By deleting the adware/spyware you run the risk of rendering the program non-functional. This won't happen to any program you have to pay for so it if does happen and you still want the host program all you'll have to do is download/install it again.
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