Spyware is computer software that is installed surreptitiously on a personal computer to intercept or take partial control over the user's interaction with the computer, without the user's informed consent.

Malware is software designed to infiltrate or damage a computer system without the owner's informed consent. The expression is a general term used by computer professionals to mean a variety of forms of hostile, intrusive, or annoying software or program code.

These are two major problems currently facing any users that use the internet.

Free Software to protect against Spyware & Malware

AVG Anti-Spyware Free Edition

Windows Defender