You need to protect your computer or laptop from spyware.If you have noticed your computer running slowly. Make sure to have someone check it out if you do not know how. This can happen spyware can get into your computer.It was sending out scam emails and I didn't even know it.After several hours she was able to remove the spyware and reboot my system.Spyware will also infect your files they  can be deleted and your personal information stolen.Your personal information is no longer protected. A sophisticated spyware program can steal your passwords and can get your bank and credit card information to use such as inidentitytheft.Where does the spyware come from ? The spyware can get into your computer or laptop from something you have downloaded. It can be hidden in a music or movie download or peer to peer sites.Yahoo and MSN have upgraded their chat rooms so that it is not as easy to download spyware.One of the easiest ways to get spyware on your computer is to click on a link or banner you have received in an email. This opens the spyware and it is downloaded into your computer. Spyware and adaware removal programs were developed for just this reason to protect your computer from being infected.There are many spyware removal programs such as  Lavasoft's Ad-ware and Spybot both are efficient at removing spyware. Not all spyware removal programs will work on some spyware and your computer is at great risk. About all you can do is wipe the hardrive and start over.It is important to turn on Windows Updates these updates help protect your computer from security issues. Most internet services such as road runner use a fire wall in their modems and if you use a router such as netgear make sure it is set up with a firewall .This will greatly reduce any spyware or hackers getting through to an open port.