firewalls

how do i turn it off so i can download patches faster?

I'm in serious need of a firewall. I need one thats free, offers good protection, and is no0b friendly. No0b friendly as in easy to use for someone with little or no experience with firewalls. So far I've been reccomended both Kerio Personal Firewall and ZoneAlarm. I'd like some more opinions...

how do you change your ports so that you are able to host HL games? and how do you configure firewalls? I am not able to host HL games. someone please help meeee