A large number of pop-ups is often an indication of a type of Spyware called a "browser hijack". If pop-up messages appear every time you open a browser window or visit a web site you may have a Spyware problem (note that some web sites use pop-ups "legitimately", though this practice is frowned-upon).

Other indications of Spyware problems include:

• System runs very slow
• Many, many pop-ups
• Warnings that your system "may" be infected with a virus or spyware

If you suspect a spyware problem you need to get your system scanned immediately. Spyware ranges from annoying "adware" to potentially disastrous keystroke capture, stealing your user ids, passwords, and possibly personal information such as Social Security Number and bank account numbers.