can't log in...humm. damned firewall

you know, i talk a big game about having a clue when it comes to computers. but sometimes... sometimes i don't know my a... well,i shall try to keep this pg-13 or better.
anyway. i have this really great firewall installed on my home computer. the program is zone alarm. it works pretty damned well. too damned well. i can log into netscape at work (it's also my AIM info) but this computer just looks at me like i have three heads or something. no flitting about the internet dropping bon mots and pearls of wisdom on aol blogs for this kid. maybe i can get the 11 year old from across the street to come over and teach me how to use this thing.