Mrwurm:
Since I was accused of not offering any specific advice for the problem . . .
1) Any software issues because of some improper settings, malicious code (or programs) can be fixed by "starting over". That means a low level reformat of your hard drive. You then have an empty disk, a clean FAT and nothing there to cause you a problem. It's not that difficult, but if you don't know how almost any computer literate friend/store etc can do it easy enough.
2) You then reinstall the software one at a time. As I said, I would NOT recommend buying, using or installing ANY software that required you to access the internet to use/install it. Some companies may require an authorization code to activate the program to protect themselves against unathorized (pirated) use. Fair enough. They should have a call in line. NEVER install a program with the computer actually connected to the internet.
3) MikePA recommended a program called Zone Alarm. I am not familiar with it, but since he recommends it, it is probably ok. I use a program called Guard Dog. Whatever you use, be sure the protection program gets installed early on. This way it is higher up in the .ini files so it loads into memory first. This kind of software intercepts messages (electrical impulses) coming into your computer via the modem port and, depending on what they are, offers you options to accept/reject them.
4) When accessing the net, in your browser turn off cookies, turn off java, turn off anything that will allow a foreign computer to put/do stuff on your computer without your knowledge or permission. Some sites (such as TBN) require you to accept cookies to operate. If it is a site you can trust (I certainly don't believe TBN would put malicious code on my computer), that's ok. Turn them on (for that site only) be sure to turn off when you're done on that site. And be sure to delete them afterwards.
5) Remember, when you use a computer program you are buying the use of the program. Some companies, for their own motives, want you to "marry" them, "spy" on you and remain dependent on them and under their control. If you don't care about someone else controling you computer, well, all this doesn't make any difference - that's what I meant by my comment about "sheep."
6) If you are concerned about "traces" left on your computer from sites visited, it is easy enough to write a small program that will write blank data, such as a series of "XOXOXO..." on your hard drive thus overwriting anything not allocated in the FAT. Then, just delete that file. If you are unfamiliar with doing that, have a computer literate friend do it.
If you follow these suggestions, you will minimize having a foreign computer do/put/change something on your computer that could cause you problems.
JEH