"Perhaps it is the company that is incompatible and not your computer."
Thank you for this. May have to switch browers entirely.
I prefer Firefox but sometimes I have to use Internet Explorer.
Actually, I-E gives me no end of grief -- "error" "send report" then kicks me off the internet in the most irritating places (eg. just when I'm completing my order at Amazon.com). I probably need to reformat but I haven't had time.
Do some testing first. For example, does the same behavior present itself when using Internet Explorer?
Also...is this recent behavior? If so, and you are using WinXP...do a System Restore to a date before this behavior presented itself.
Lastly, do a FULL spyware/adware/malware and virus scan. Use the best software you can find...like AdAware or Microsoft's Anti-Virus (formerly Giant) and AVG Free Anti-Virus. You may have a nasty wee beastie lurking about or a bad BHO (Browser Helper Object) that got downloaded and installed without your knowledge. Your son should know about these.