did i get a bug and get wiped out? pc wont work

hi, i dowloaded striata reader for emc programs 32bit version as i am not sure which version of ubuntu mom has on her computer. after opening the document(bank statement) that required the reader i open estatement and was given a pdf file version. clicked on the little cog on the download page in upper right corner to print. then was left with a hanging printer.

mom to the rescue: switched off computer, restarted and the lauchbar was gone.

i have not been able to restore to previous settings, make any changes to settings or use the computer since. mom not happy. all that comes on the screen when started is the desktop icons, cant even power off have to remove the battery and switch off the electricity to switch off. does respond to cntrl.alt.delete and have a long list of programs that are running normal but dont know what to do.

help please dont know much about computers but not as bad as using the cd holder for coffee mug.

how do i remove the striata reader and how do i restore