Here are some signs that indicate that your computer has spywares.

• On starting your Internet browser, Internet Explorer, Firefox or Netscape, you notice that your default home page has changed to some other website.
• When you go to a particular website you get a pop-up message that says that your computer is being scanned for viruses. This could be indicating that the spyware has settled on your computer and it just wants you to click on the link in order to find out some information from you.
• You are getting pop-up ads, even when you have blocked them or are not using the Internet.
• When you type in domain names and press enter, you are automatically re-directed on to other websites.
• There are new and unfamiliar items appear in your 'Favorites' list.
• The speed of your computer has become real slow and all applications or windows are opening real slow. When windows are opening up they look as if they are being painted on the screen. Many unfamiliar and new applications start running on your Task Manager
• You find a toolbar that you had not installed yourself.
• The lights of your hard drive or cable modem start blinking fast and quite frequently.
• You have started receive a number of emails that have a common theme. For instance, coupons for a particular product/financial aid keep coming.

One should understand that Spywares are becoming more intelligent every passing day. Many of them are barely detectable and therefore, it is imperative that you scan your computer with a regularly updated anti-spyware software at least once a week.