Can't click on link (on the first webpage) to next page

When I'm on the main/first page and put my cursor on a link (cursor won't turn into hand) then when I click it just started saying Opp's then top left circle spins then goes to a page to download something I don't want or bogus.

Another big problem, certain words will be highlighted and a window pop's up (different windows) and want allow me to go to the webpage I want.

This has been happening sense I purchased my new computer wit Win.8

Example: the words on the page highlighted is where I want to go, but a small window pops up and says Best cities to work or Free Local Job Search. Its has a icon to close the windows but when I do it will go to another download type page.

Is there a setting in IE or Firefox to turn that problem OFF ?

See on this page there IS NOT a word that is highlighted and what I click I go to

Do complete virus scan.

Did you install any plugins?

do you mean browser plugins ? How do I do that.... I know I'm clueless

I guess not how do I do that. IE want open so Firefox is better.

You know guys.... I love Vista compared to 8. I ran a complete virus and Malware scan on my computer. I have been doing so right about every 2 weeks, I will have same problems but know viruses

Don't know if its true, but been told that I can't have Win. 7 put on a computer that has 8 on it. I really like XP, but its at the point updates and software want work with it now.

Man, 8 really sucks (I'm sorry to say that) Being on a fixed income I couldn't come up with the money quick enough to get a machine with 7 on it.