Security architectures for the home user should be "install and forget". Know that you installed your firewall, and that it will do its best to keep the bad bits and bytes out, and the good bits and bytes in. Understand that the firewall doesn't keep you 100% safe, but it keeps you safer than you were before you installed it.

Just remember that years ago there was no such thing as anti-virus or firewalls and most people using a Windows Platform didn't even have at least a firewall installed BEFORE they put their computer on the Internet. Which already makes their system a highly hackers playground. Remember that Windows leaves file and print sharing open for starters. We're talking about the majority of Windows users here.

trackit