I won't list them all such as root kit, trojan, PUP, and others but suggest you read Grif's note on free tools to scan for other than a virus. The days when you could expect your antivirus to protect your PC are over.

You might ask why and one reason is an Adware company sued over an antivirus company blocking their adware. Sad it came down to that.

OK, read http://forums.cnet.com/7726-6122_102-5509131.html?tag=posts;msg5509131
Bob