Too much/little security

I hope this isn't too repetitive a question. I have done hours of research, but not knowing much about computers, (this being my first one that I have bought) I was hoping someone could tell me whether I have too much/little security. I download a decent amount of music. I stay away from the facebook apps and what not. I don't know enough to really personalize a firewall so something simple yet effective in that regards would be best. Here is what I am currently running for security: Advanced System Care (use it almost daily), Avira, SpywareBlaster, Malwarebytes', Zone Alarm (which always turns off my Windows Firewall), and finally Windows Firewall. I guess I have Windows Defender also, but I almost never use it. Thanks for any help, it is much appreciated.

Zone alrarm is a firewall. Thats why the windows FW is off. It's supposed to be off, running more than 1 FW can cause big problems. As far as the rest goes your on the right track. Layered security is the only sure way to stay protected. But I would dump Zone alarm and Avira and get ESET smart security. It is pretty much the best there is.

Microsoft Security Essentials + Windows Firewall is all the security you'll ever need.

If I were you I would use Avast! (free), Malwarebytes (free) and Windows Firewall (free). As long as you avoid "nasty" websites, those 3 will keep you safe.

The free Comodo security suite is also very good and consistently highly rated, although it has a steep learning curve (because you can infinitely tweak it).

Not to downplay the importance of AV software the odds of the average computer user being targeted is nil - unless, of course, you frequent torrents, hacks, "adult" sites, open attachments from unknown senders, and practice other risky behaviors. One can never tell, and better safe than sorry, but I would not worry too much if you "safe" surf.

There are many good free AV apps (Avira, Avast, AVG, e.g.) and the free ZoneAlarm firewall. Since you are a noob (we've all been there), I would suggest something simple and easy to understand quickly (for your peace of mind). To that end, I would suggest Avast (rated somewhat better than Avira) and ZoneAlarm. Avast updates its definitions database whenever you are connected to the Internet and little tweaking is necessary. ZA is a very simple app that has a half dozen or so manageable settings. In conjunction with safe surfing practices, you should be quite safe. If I am any example, I have not had a malware attack for years and I spend hours each day on the Net in various projects and doing research. Attacks are just not that common.

After you researched a while and, if the mood hits you, you can experiment around with more complex apps like free Comodo suite or ESET ($60 bucks a year), Kaspersky ($80 bucks a year).

One other suggestion, you might look into the free Spybot Search and Destroy which you will find at The home of Spybot-S&D!. Basically it scans your system for already present spyware not classified as viruses, Trojans, etc. that AV apps might not detect.

Yet another suggestion: if you surf with FireFox, you can install the WOT (Web of Trust) addon which flags potential malware sites that show up in search results (Google, e.g.). It places a green (safe), yellow (caution), or red (danger) button next to each hit in your search results. Clicking on the button will take you to mywot.com where you can read what their findings are in relation to the flagged site.

As you see, one can go crazy with protective measures but, if you practice common sense, you will not likely be subject to any attacks.

Hope this helps.

Monk