1st Paragraph: Their are probably millions of current infected sites. I recently had the benefit of experiencing a Backdoor-BH [trj]. Luckily it was only abe to download parts of it. Nothing that could harm the computer. It was unnoticed y anything. Avast! didn’t grab it Comodo didn’t detect the connection. Nothing. So Imagine if you’d have to clean that youself. I watch a video from Britec09 on youtube. The system cleared the 2k malware infected file/folders. YOu truly wouldn’t survive without protection so those connections are vital.
2nd Paragraph: It will. Just when a new round of Sirefef or Ransomware comes you you’re screwed. Everything is digital. Updates etc… So unless you want to borrow someones computer and manually install updates for the rest of your life, it isn’t wise to tinker with the program.
I run Avast and Comodo Firewall. I have NO issues gaming. None. That won’t ever be an issue unless you’re using Dial-Up.