A GIANT THANK YOU to SPD!!!!!!
for jumping in here and Saving the Day when I hit my WALL of knowlege...or Wall of LACK of Knowledge!!!!!

Pumpa,
Take a look here for recommended steps to protect the computer

PROTECT YOURSELF FROM MALWARE: Tools & Tips

My personal top recommendation would be SpyWareBlaster for sure.
Have a great time in Europe!!! Wish I was going with you