How Do I Know If I Have Spyware?

how do i know if i have spyware on my computer? please don't tell me to use spybot search and destroy because mine doesn't work.

hey stephmz, PARASITES: A very broad term for software that could be on your computer that you most likely didnt ask for, may not know its there, does things you probably dont want it to, and may not be in the add/remove panel, but buried deep in a file or folder somewhere waiting for you to connect to the internet. Also called adware, spyware, scumware, dialers, RATS, hijackers, trojans etc. All nasty crap that ranges from annoying (ads) to dangerous, (data theft). Not to mention causing browser and system instability. Some symptoms of a infected computer could be: Your start page keeps changing by itself You get alot of pop up windows showing ads or search engines. You start ending up at websites you didnt go to. Your computer may seem to be sluggish or not "acting" right. Programs may suddenly appear in the add/remove panel that you dont recognize. How did i get this stuff on my computer? Your operating system or browser (Internet Explorer) is not updated. Your using the default browser settings. You downloaded a program you didnt know would have "extras" in it.(adware,spyware) You dont have a firewall or antivirus software. You download or install files from p2p networks, warez or porn sites. need more details for why SBSD dosnt work, it wont update?, it wont scan?it locks up?it wont install?