Let me recommend you a few safe things to try - as you are probably aware by advertisements and the like, not everything is genuinely there to help you out - so have a look at these:
Antivirus:
If you dont have something like Norton Anti-virus, Mcafee Internet Security, or some other big anti-virus package, try a free one like AVG Free Personal Edition [i.e. not for work computers] by Grisoft.
Remember not to have two Anti-virus programs installed and running, because not only can they cause a negative effect, they also will be slowing your machine down more lol
Some anti-virus providers provide a free scan using a online system that scans your machine which is generally ok to use whether you have antivirus software or not.
Here is one such thing: https://housecall.trendmicro.com/
Anti-spyware:
Unlike antivirus programs, you can install more than one of them, but its generally a good idea to only use one that actively monitors the system.
Here's a few that are known safe ones to use:
Windows Defender [microsoft] - https://www.microsoft.com/downloads...E7-DA2B-4A6A-AFA4-F7F14E605A0D&displaylang=en
Spybot - Search and Destroy - special version for you here: https://www.tarquel.net/pub/sb15auto_cust.exe
SpywareBlaster - special version for you here: https://www.tarquel.net/pub/sbsilent.exe [if u have win95 / 98 / ME, i have a seperate version i will post up if needed]
Ad-aware Personal Edition - https://www.lavasoft.com/ and use the green link on the right.
The first one can monitor and remove spyware via scanning.
The second one protects against some spyware and also is a great scanner too.
The third one is a must and prevents alot of spyware coming in through websites.
The forth is a scanner only [unless u pay to get the monitor part of it - no point really].
IMO get the lot, get them up to date, and use 'um
Bear in mind that there are alot of anti-spyware programs that actually do the opposite of what they say i.e. put / allow spyware into your machine.
Hope this lot makes some sense and helps you out hehe
Regards
Nath