Thanks Guys and Gals. I really am over my head with any but "kindergarten" level computer instruction. You all write very clearly, I just don't understand the vocabulary and concepts well enough to easily follow what you say. See below for what I did after reading your advise. And then...if you don't mind....some more advise on what to do now.   

I downloaded Spybot (I had it on my computer previously and did not realize it had not been reinstalled when I had it worked on.) At least, I downloaded some of it. There were about 3 windows opened, and the last window, previously covered by the other 2, said there was not enough memory. I don't know if it referred to the download, or the immunization step, or to my going back on line.

I ran the search and destroy and had it "fix" everything it identified as a problem, except a Vxsomething which I thought might be a driver of some sort, and Attune, which sounded like it went with IE. Now I can't get MSN.com, and I am assuming it is because of something I "fixed". When I went to recovery, nothing that had been "fixed" was there. The only things were the 2 above items that I left alone. (98% of what I had deleted were cookies.)

I see there is another thread to those without spyware and I am going to go read it now. I know I am a real dolt with technology.

Oh Gosh! I just realized I had disabled Norton when I installed Spybot and here I am, on-line again.

*sigh*

Janie