Disable alt key (or change behavior) in Windows 7

[scubscub]

Hello,

I am using a windows laptop (Toshiba satellite) and I keep accidentally hitting the ALT keys, causing the focus to shift away from the field I am typing in. The problem is that when ALT is hit, it shifts the focus immediately, then waits for the user to type another key (eg. F, E, etc.)

I am used to using Ubuntu, in which Alt works differently -- there, Alt only functions if pressed at the same time as the other keys (e.g. ALT+F). I would greatly appreciate any help in finding out how to:

1. change the behavior of ALT so that it only works in tandem with other keys (and does nothing when pressed by itself), or

2. if necessary, turn off the ALT keys altogether (though this would not be the preferred solution).

Thanks for any help!