Pipster - try updating the McAfee Virus Scanner (or upgrading to the latest version, if you like). VShield Statistics (VSSTAT) is the cause of the symptoms (no one seems to know the real cause yet).
Also, update and get all the patches for your version of Windows and IE.
I don't like telling people to disable the virus scanner, but you can do that for an hour or so to test things out - and on each PPRUNE session basis if that is within your tolerance limits.
If that's not your cup of tea and you are still annoyed, consider switching to a different browser. There are several out there.