Yes, Spyware Can Screw Your Life Up
Computers and ignorance are truly a dangerous combination. Read this account on Network World's Buzzblog regards the unfortunate Matthew Bandy, in light of the Julie Amero case.
Without debating the prosecution's cases in either matter, there's no question parents, school administrators and the law enforcement community need better computer security education. In fact, shouldn't computer literacy be a job prerequisite for anyone in school management or law enforcement? The courts are the wrong places to call people to account for knowledge gaps, because lives get ruined in that process. If you have a PC at home, do these things right now:
1) Download a free antivirus program like Avast. Run the programs.
2) Download Spybot Search & Destroy. It's free but you should make a donation.
3) Go to the Microsoft Updates pages (make sure you've done step 3 and step 4 first, since malware writers target visitors to that site mercilessly). Look for the latest security updates and run a malicious software/program scan.
4) If you have a broadband connection (if your home computer is connected to the Internet through your cable provider, for instance), make sure you have a firewall.
5) Consider migrating to Macs. They can do everything PCs can, but without so many security holes rife in Microsoft products.
6) If #5 isn't acceptable, consider open-source software like Linux.