I’m a newbie to this forum and only self-taught on computers. I have a few questions (if I am in the wrong place please let me know where I should post). I have Windows XP Home Edition, Avast Free Version: 7.0.1474 & Firefox 19.0. At Windows Security: I have the Firewall on, Virus Protection on, via Avast (I think I last had Norton & don’t think it’s been removed from the programs). At Windows Security/Internet Properties- if I click on the Browsing Hx settings it says Explorer stores copies of webpages, images & media for faster viewing later. Question# 1. Does this even matter since I’m not using Explorer? 2. Can I delete Explorer from programs or just ignore it & make sure it’s not set as my default? 3. A “friend” told me to download CCleaner & use it(don’t know what it is or does). Do I need to use this? Or is there other things I should be using instead? 4. Am I headed in the right direction? Thanks in advance for any help provided. Hopefully, I won’t have to be here a lot!
Welcome to the forum. 
There is no wrong place as long it’s not in someone else’s post.
May I suggest that you use the search function of the forum to search for some of the
third party program you have questions about. They have all be covered many times.
Totally removing third party anti Virus programs is paramount to having a well running computer.
Please use the link in my signature to remove your old AV.
If you have specific questions or problems, please feel free to ask. This is a Help forum.
Don’t delete Internet Explore as your system still needs it for windows updates and such.
Please use the security uninstallers link in Bob’s signature to remove all remnants of Norton/Symantec before installing avast.
CCleaner is a great tool for cleaning rubbish from your system, highly recommended and best used in it’s default state for newbies to computers, best to use the slim build which doesn’t offer the Google junk http://www.piriform.com/ccleaner/builds
Absolutely wonderful to have access to Knowledge. I made all changes and things are working great for now. If I get in to more than I can handle, I will feverishly contact “the wise ones” for help!! Thanks Again
Your welcome
Glad to be able to help.