Surplus of connection and security questions involving firewalls, ports, and pinging.?

I am currently running Windows vista.

I am using Windows Firewall, Trend Micro Antivirus, and Spy Sweeper to monitor and block my computer, dose this seem adequate protection to you?? it seems to be a pretty secure connection, confirmed by http://www.grc.com/x/ne.dll?rh1dkyd2 But I still notice a few ports that I am not using and open my computer to threats, how do i close ports on windows firewall?? or better, is there a skeleton Firewall software that has no purpose but to Block and unblock ports, without all the extra features and memory using utilities??

Also, when i use the security tests at http://www.grc.com/x/ne.dll?rh1dkyd2 it shows that my computer Replied to the ping and that most firewalls have the ability to stop my computer from responding to this ping to make it "Hidden" From potential threats. can you do this with windows firewall??

I would also enjoy to hear about any other programs or tips that you think i would benifit from. Also.. Whats a good Telnet Client??

Surplus of connection and security questions involving firewalls, ports, and pinging.?triumph

Wow you're just a tad bit paranoid. Gibson hah, that guys quite a wanker, hails himself as some security expert yet is far from being one.

Most people have no use for a Firewall since they're not doing anything that's really putting their IP out there in a vulnerable way. Trend Micro is a decent AV, I personally prefer Kaspersky and have used it for several years now. Spy Sweeper is good, but I use it in conjunction with Adaware and Spybot S%26D to scan for various spyware.