I have observed tha IE9 nolonger opens an imbedded link but must be pushed to do it by opening the link in a new tab or a new window. Is this a setting or just the way the software operates

Try emptying the machine and redownload it.
What you loose.
You can always get back.
Or you can try Ie 10 beta.
Is available.
I used it.
It worked fine.

Check out the windows club.
If you have windows 7, 8.
There are some progrmas like ultimate windows tweeker, Ie 9 that re-registers all the things in IE 9.
The stuf That is there.
Is safe.
I have had no problems with it.

These are just suggestions.
Try at your own risk.
As with everything.

Links can be coded to be forced to open in a new tab. Using IE just keeps you open to malware attacks that the other browsers are secure against.
I recommend Chrome or Firefox. Add the AdBlock add-on and your web surfing will be faster and more secure.

There are many different anti virus programs.
As well as ad-blockers.
Most are freeware.
Check out MajorGeeks.com - Download Freeware and Shareware Computer Utilities. (http://www.majorgeeks.com) .
And many others.
I use Maxthon for my browser.
It's faster than chrome, Firefox, or whatever is out there.
They have an ad blocker built in.