but it shouldn't be too tough to remove.
I use Ad-Aware SE Personal edition for ad/spyware removal. Download at
http://www.lavasoftusa.com/support/download/#freeand install. Self explanatory to run. If you haven't run a similar program before you may be a bit shocked as to how much junk you've picked up. Your performance should pick up. I've never deleted "too much" by using it and they seem like a good outfit.
Microsoft has built new, free software for ad/spyware removal and blocking. I've tested the beta version and actually found it to be quite good.
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/software/default.mspx Same deal as before, simply install, run initially and again every week or so. You don't need to tell them anything to download it and install, but they seem to be trying to collect "customer info to serve you better". I'm leery, but don't have a reason yet not to use it.
Good luck!