Trouble running program that uses internet

I recently updated one of my programs and during the process I think I
accidentily blocked it from the internet when the popup came up. I was trying
to click another box but anyway... Now I cannot find how to undo this and
allow the program access back to the net. The shortcut now has a little
shield on it (like the window security symbol) and the program crashes as
soon as I try to run it. The tech support thinks it's because the firewall is
blocking it but I tried restoring the defaults and reauthorizing access to
the program. Any ideas on how to fix this and what the shield means. Thanks!

If you are using Windows f/w then go to control panel, security, windows
firewall, allow a program through windows firewall... Check the checkbox,
and all should be OK!