still lost about malware protection

I am getting a new computer that has no protection and runs XP

I made this thread because I've lost 2 or 3 computers since 08 and I dont know what I'm doing wrong, so I'd appreciate any feedback

I use Firefox
I will disable my Windows firewall
I will Adjust Active X security settings
I will have an external hardrive backup,

so I found this site on MG
How to Protect yourself from malware!
http://forums.majorgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=44525

It says I need a few things but I have questions

1-Windows update-will do

2-Anti Virus-
will get:
Avira Free Antivirus 2013 13.0.0.2890 via http://www.majorgeeks.com/download955.html

3-firewall- I have a a wireless modem(from CLEAR)That has password to connect to the internet, is that enough?
or should I get Jetico Personal Firewall - shareware version http://www.majorgeeks.com/Jetico_Personal_Firewall_d4480.html

4-Temp File/Cookies Cleaner: I will have CCleaner

5) AntiSpyWare Tools
My computer will have XP, so I was going to get Microsoft Security Essentials for Windows XP - includes antivirus and antispyware

6) Adjust Active X security settings
- I will do this via
In Internet Explorer, click Tools, Internet Options, Security. Click on the Internet globe. Then select Default Level, then click OK. Now select Custom Level and scroll down to the ActiveX controls and plug-ins section (some may already be set correctly):

Set Download signed Active X controls to Prompt
Set Download unsigned Active X controls to Disable
Set Initialize and Script ActiveX controls not marked as safe to Disable
Set Installation of desktop items to Prompt
Set Launching programs and files in an IFRAME to Prompt
Set Navigate sub-frames across different domains to Prompt
Set Allow paste operations via script to Disable (see: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/224993 )
Click OK and OK again.

7) Install a backup browser just incase you run into problems with Internet Explorer
I use FireFox, I might have IE as a spare browser

8) Make sure you are running the current version of Sun Java
-Will do
http://forums.majorgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=149858

9)Disable the AutoRuns Feature used to spread malware
will use http://forums.majorgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=186542)
-will do
http://forums.majorgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=186542

10)Use Passwords & Create Restricted User Accounts
-I am the only user on my computer, do I need this?

11) Security starts with you! Becareful what you download and from where!
-I download 90% of my files from MG, legalsounds, emails/websites that have pictures I want, so I "save as" images...is that downloading?


-I need any program that would tell me what stock will go up would be useful, but I'm not hopeful about that one, yet)b

Does it seem I am missing anything or just doing something blantly wrong?
thanks