Can Spyware/Adware control your computer?

For the last couple of days, I have been having some wacky experiances on the computer. Like random webscreen changes, to connection glitches, to the rebooting of my computer at random times. This all started when I downloaded a program to get buddy icons for AIM. I downloaded the program and a wave of adware/spyware was downloaded onto my computer (without my knowledge). I have ran at least 7 spyware/adware cleaners to no avail. My friend referd me to Hijack this, and I used it. I used the tutorial on this website and came up with nothing pointing me in the right direction. What I really want to know is, is this and adware, spyware, or a virus and is there any luck in getting my computer to run smooth again? HaloJedi20

 

I see you already have a thread going so from now on please post in there. Do not create duplicate threads for the same issue, we will get to you when time permits.

http://forums.majorgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=63827