simply to block trojans and other malicious code's communication, It won't help against pro hackers but if you're concerned about getting hacked by professionals you'd already have some expensive solution.

especially running windows, one wrong click can install almost anything bad you couldn't even imagine in your weirdest dreams.

keyloggers sending your credit cards numbers "back home" are only one example.

Most modern routers got firewalls which are much safer than personal firewalls.

For one thing, it protects the internet in general. Many infestations attack insecure systems and stay dormant until thousands of "zombie" PCs are used to instigate denial of service attacks or to send spam from your IP address. I think this is more common than you might think. You may suffer no obvious ill effects as the host, but the internet suffers as a whole.

Ok, maybe I am a paranoid freak. It sounds too much like a Stephen Colbert threatdown. I do think there's some truth to it.

This is in fact very real,

Botnet - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Zombie computer - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

I guess maybe I just don't know too much about these things.
Yeah, I guess so. Now that I think about it, I don't have a firewall, but I'm pretty paranoid about clicking things.
I certainly believe that.

I guess I'm lucky cuz all I use is windows and I never have problems.

I don't mind spending money for my computer because Sir Bill Gates does good things with it.

People who want stuff for free are all probably on welfare anyway. Not me, I support myself and I like it the American way.

Glad that you never have problems when you use Windows. I always get rashes - or do you mean no problems with Windows? Sorry, couldn't resist.

There's nothing immoral about using alternatives. Companies are figuring out ways to make money on Linux too, e.g. through support a la Canonical/Ubuntu. People that create free-as-in-freedom or free-as-in-beer software do it voluntarily and don't expect compensation. You're not stealing from anybody if you use it. I personally wish they weren't giving their work away so much, because selfishly I'd like a healthier market for software I create, but the free-ness is a free choice in a free market. It's still competition that may make Microsoft and Apple better. Maybe I misinterpreting your comment.

Are you trying to teach me something?

I'm certainly very happy for you.
Um, ok. Buying Microsoft products seems like a really weird way to donate to charities, but hey, it's your money. Do what you want with it.
So if I offer you free stuff, you plan on turning it down? I don't think I believe you. What's more, that's an incredibly elitist, condescending attitude and shows that you understand neither people in general nor open source in particular.

Dude, isn't there something in the rules about this kind of post? Your a moderator? Whoa, nellie!!

Nope, I just spew opinions. Sorry if it came across that way.

I guess....

Try adjusting the display brightness, lowering it a bit may save some power. The same applies to the volume, also try to keep it well ventilated so that the fans dont have to work too hard (sucking up power) to keep it cool. The more frequently you use your CD/DVD/HD drive will also reflect on battery life.