SpyBot Search and Destroy v1.3 (no its not a video game) blocks heaps of sites from maliciously downloading tracker cookies, making registry entry changes, dropping keylogger programs onto your PC and sending info (such as passwords and credit card numbers) over the net, and some popups.

Works quite well along side Microsoft anti virus and together creates about as tight a security net around your connection as the home user / non PC nerd can create.  I recommend you download it, install it and scan your pc now!  you may be a little surprised...

Note that it makes some deep changes to your PC - some cookie reliant programs (logging onto secured sites mostly) may change the way you log in, but the extra security is worth it.

I downloaded it from www.zdnet.com.au, its about 4.5Mb.

Then click on Tools, Windows Update and install the latest security patches for your PC!  NOW!!!  And if you're using XP turn on your firewall!!!

Hope these posts may save you some problems later...

G.