Eddy
2
http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com < go there and get ALL security patches/updates, including sp1. And never mind about shutting down anti virus software. They will download and install just fine if Avast is running. In fact you will be better of with Avast running since you don’t have the patches which means you got a lot of security issues (open doors) !
Best free firewall, not easy to tell. There are a few that work well for people.
http://www.zonelabs.com < zonealarm
http://www.sygate.com < Sygate
http://www.kerio.com < kpf
Check those three sites and pick the one you think you will like. But if you can afford it (about usd 40) I would say get a router with hardware firewall. That still is the best.