Howdy chukeej,
Some of what you describe could be malware related, including the Task Manager problem. For the moment, hold off on loading ZoneAlarm or any other firewall programs - it would complicate the situation. Go
Here and follow the instructions for downloading and running some CTH Cyber Safety recommended programs to clean up infected systems. If you continue to have problems follow the HijackThis instructions at that same CTH site. Please post back here if you feel you have resolved any infection issues but are still having program operations problems.