Sounds like a virus to me.
I would do the same thing, system restore. And then make sure your firewall is turned on, with anti-virus and anti-spyware too. You might even need to use safe mode to go in and see what programs are in your startup folder before getting back online (though if you’re reading this it’s too late unless you’re on another computer!).
Google recently changed their privacy policy. I didn’t read through all the fine print but I think it was so they can use more specifically targeted ads when you use their search engine, at least that’s what it superficially means.
But what it really means is the company with “Don’t Be Evil” as its moniker is even more of a threat to our privacy than they used to be.
Yep...
http://www.google.com/intl/en/policies/privacy/
I think one has until March 1 to opt out.
I’ve deleted everything google that I can from my computer, even my beloved google earth.