The problem is not with your operating system, but with your brain for installing a program based upon an unsolicited pop up that kept pushing itself on you.
Your second mistake was not setting Internet Explorer to block pop-ups.
Your third mistake was relying upon free-ware like Adaware and AVG for virus/malware protection rather than paying for Norton Internet Security or a similar program. In fact, we used AVG at my office for about a year on every computer, except for mine, because my former IT person said it was cheap and worked just as good as the more expensive programs. AVG failed to detect three major virus/malware attacks that started on one computerand then spread to the others. In contrast, I had installed Norton Internet Security 2010 on my desktop and it detected and blocked all three of the viruses/malware that AVG missed.
Hold on kiddo. I have freely admitted that computers are not my thing. I take full responsibility for clicking on a link that mimicked Adobe....considering that it said it was and Adobe link.
Everything on my computer is set to prevent pop ups. Everything.
You may have a point about AdAware & AVG, but these were programs recommended to me. I have no aversion to paying for a good program.
My son had Norton on his computer; he subscribed and kept it updated. And then he had to throw out his computer and get another one. And then he told me not to spend one dime on Norton’s.
I appreciate your input.