oops, i'm infected with spyware!

[chupichulo]

The conversation between me and my flatmate, when he returns home, will be something like....
"It was fine last time I used it and now since you've been on there it's infected with spyware."
Seems he's been visiting an impressive array of adult sites. Honest, it was him, not me, although I am not without sin in this regard myself! I'm guessing some horrible spyware has crept in somewhere from some of the dodgy sites he's been looking at. Do you have to download something or does it gain access just by visiting certain sites?
Now I'm bombarded by messages telling me that my computer is infected and offering to remove the files..... after I register, of course.
I got one pop-up telling me that I (or my flatmate!) have visited 284 adult sites including 14 illegal sites, which made me raise my eyebrows I can tell you!
Now, if personal info like passwords and who knows what else is being lifted from my computer, the last thing I'm going to do is enter my credit card details for an anti spyware programme. How does one tell the good guys from the bad? And I'm always reluctant to spend money anyway so if there are ways to get rid of this for free I'm all ears.
A google search for free spyware removal reveals there are some free programmes but at the moment I haven't had any success in accessing them.
Problems caused by the spyware I'm infected with?
Your advice please folks, and yes I will be banning my flatmate from the computer in future.

[liam858]

I'd personally do this: http://discussions.virtualdr.com/sho...hreadid=167915

Liam

[fink]

Do you have to download something or does it gain access just by visiting certain sites?

You can be infected both ways... thats' why it's important to keep your a/v and anti spy data programs data bases up to date and practice safe surfing habits... also install all Windows security updates and use a more secure browser like Firefox.