You need to run anti virus software such as the free AVG anti virus (there are many others, free and otherwise), anti spyware such as the free ad-aware and spybot search and destroy (there are others). You also need to run a rootkit detector such as the free AVG rootkit detector (again, there are others). The latter is most likely to discover a hijacking. You can also run a firewall prgoram that will detect unusual incoming and ourgoing internet traffic. There is one built into Windowws XP aleady. There is the free Zone alarm (there are others).
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In addition to "Tartrazine's" answer....
Zone Alarm puts an icon in your task bar that allows you to do a couple of things. First, it's easy access to the already running program (it starts up with Windows). Second, you can simply "right click" and completely block you internet connection. This is handy at times but mostly, it also shows in real time if you are having any data transferred inbound and outbound. My point being, you need to become aware of and familiar with this in addition to what programs are "normally" running on your computer if you bring up the "task manager". Anytime my computer starts acting weird, sluggish etc, I bring up the task manager to see whats running, and what's using the most processor, RAM, and page file resources. That in conjunction with the Zone Alarm icon showing internet activity is a big help. Unfortunately, computers today require the user to be much more proficient than they used to be to keep them protected and running smooth. I hope this helps.
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