Do you have any toolbars installed? If yes, uninstall them if you can. Did this happen recently? Have you installed any new software recently...especially free software? If yes...what was it and where did you get it? Have you recently opened an attachment to an email that came from an unknown sender? If yes, what was it? Do you use this computer for any online shopping or banking? If yes, STOP! Sounds like your browser has been hijacked.

What anti virus program do you use?
Update it and run a FULL scan.

Also run a full scan with Malwarebytes. If you do not have Malwarebytes installed the link I provided is Filehippo and very safe. When installing be sure to select the free option rather than the for a feee program.

Re the search bar in upper right:

On the left edge of that bar/field you should see a little icon with a small downward-pointing arrow. Click on that icon/arrow and you will see a drop-down list of search engines. Choose your preferred search engine (Google) from that list.

I am sure my anti virus program needs updating and should be re installed. Please suggest a free oneI I have been negligent.
Thanks for the malware link
Remind me, where to find installed programs, please, b/c obviously I'm not going to get to one via firefox, google etc.

I have not installed any new software, but was
using Amazon prime to watch movies when this happened. I use it all the time.
Can emails from this computer affect recipients
Can other computers in the home get infected from a virus in
this computer?
re: upper right searchbar a small arrow is bookmark display.
A larger one shows progress on downloads. T here's a "home" icon that links to the firefox homepage. But it is corrupted like the others.
OK time to clean up this computer.
Anyother directions, suggestions. ? I willingly accept being chastised for neglecting my virus protection. I know better.
idabean

owlbiz went to link but it is not clear which one is free.

I am happy with avast! so far. The link below offers the free version along with free trials of the paid version.Scroll down the page to see them. You will automatically be offered installation of Google Chrome...if you don't want it then UNCHECK the box before proceeding with the install.

If your email has been hacked, emails from your computer could possibly affect other computers. Other computers in your home could get infected if file sharing is enabled on your network.

You don't know where to find installed programs on the computer? Explain please.

Here is a link that might be useful: avast! free

free malwarebytes below

Here is a link that might be useful: free Malwarebytes

azinoh, most of my time on computer is internet (trusted sites) and Word.I haven't run into many problems and frankly, usually can't remember what's found on the Start menu until I look at it, or what's found on the control Panel unless I open it and look.
Wasn't able to sleep all night and my memory and problem solving skills are slow after 2 hours sleep.
Thanks for link to "free"

Is this what you are viewing?

DA

Here is a link that might be useful: Google Result

I am using my pc now, but what comes up on amazon is not exactly the same as pictured. But will check my uninstall program and see what's landed there.
Last ime I checked, logging off was not proceeding well....needed to do so to run malware.

To restore your original default search engine in Firefox ...

Select the "Search Engine" down-arrow.

Select "Manage Search Engines"

Select "Restore Defaults"

Select "OK". (if necessary ...)