I can't seem to access any website unless I prefix it with an http://.
In the past, I've been able to access sites without the http:// or
even by elminating the www altogether (e.g. google.com). I've restored
my Internet Explorer settings to the default (on the advanced tab),
and I'm still having the same problem.

An important bit of information I should add is that I recently
downloaded Microsoft Windows XP updates. I noticed that I started to
have these problems after the updates were installed. These are the
most recent updates I've installed:

Windows XP Dell Inc. - Video - Intel(R) 82915G/GV/910GL Express
Chipset Family  Tuesday, April 18, 2006 Automatic Updates

Windows XP Security Update for Windows XP (KB908531)  Sunday, April
16, 2006 Automatic Updates

Windows XP Security Update for Windows XP (KB911562)  Sunday, April
16, 2006 Automatic Updates

Windows XP Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool - April 2006
(KB890830)  Sunday, April 16, 2006 Automatic Updates

Windows XP Cumulative Security Update for Internet Explorer for
Windows XP (KB912812)  Sunday, April 16, 2006 Automatic Updates

Windows XP Security Update for Windows Media Player 10 for Windows XP
(KB911565)  Sunday, April 16, 2006 Automatic Updates

Windows XP Cumulative Security Update for Outlook Express for Windows
XP (KB911567)  Sunday, April 16, 2006 Automatic Updates

Any help would be greatly appreciated!