Thing, in your original post you said...

"...I really want to avoid contact with microsoft at most. ..."

I've been a linux fan for a few months now, give it a try, you'll like it!!

"... please understand i REALLY dont want norton. ..."
neither do i, that's why i use AVG, it's free, easy, up-to-date, you can't beat it...

If you're connected by a cable modem, then firewalls are a good thing. Dare i say they are necessary??? Yes, i will dare. They are necessary. Zone alarm is free, easy, and up-to-date (sound familiar??) It gives me no problems with cookies, websites, etc...

happy trails...