The original virus referred to is most likely to be......
JS.exception.exploit.exe.... , it is usually concealed in pop-ups, it is not a virus but will reset your homepage to a porn server, add porn links to your favorites and even install a porn dialer to somewhere in Asia. Don't panic, it is deleted manually from Find on your Start menu, search for JS and delete the folder. Then delete those new bookmarks before going back on the net and resetting your browser homepage.
I have Norton firewall and it stops dangerous scripts with immediate warnings and action screens. I cant be sure but rumor is that Zone Alarm contains spyware along the same lines as other internet freeware. I have encountered one particular posters website link in this forum that has a very annoying pop-up screen whinging about his server and bandwidth, it cannot be closed unless you close your browser, without flaming, nuff said.
Tommy.