@ chas53, you need to keep all your programs, especially 'vulnerable' ones, such as Java and Adobe up to date! Keep Windows updates (critical and important) up to date.
Also, download and update/protect often SpywareBlaster (free), to protect you before, not after reaching a malicious web page!
Instructions and tutorial found here: Using SpywareBlaster to protect your computer from Spyware, Hijackers, and Malware
thank you for your reply Jacee.
when I downloaded YUMI (it was either that or Macrium), I clicked on the wrong download button. there were all these apps that wanted to be be installed. one of them changed my home page. I changed it back to Google, and did not think much of it until now.
something somewhere is goofed. do you have (or anyone) please have any thoughts on how I can fix it?
My Computer
At a glance
Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit 7601 ...Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-2430M CPU @ 2.40GHz6.00 GBIntel(R) HD Graphics Family
- Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
- sony vaio vpcsc31fm
- OS
- Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit 7601 Multiprocessor Free Service Pack 1
- CPU
- Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-2430M CPU @ 2.40GHz
- Motherboard
- Sony Corporation VAIO
- Memory
- 6.00 GB
- Graphics Card(s)
- Intel(R) HD Graphics Family
- Sound Card
- (1) High Definition Audio Device (2) Bluetooth Hands-free
- Screen Resolution
- 1366 x 768 x 32 bits (4294967296 colors) @ 59 Hz
- Hard Drives
- ST95005620AS