Firewall question

I want to make sure that my computer is as secure as possible without having to bother with antivirus programs. For a very basic user, what would you recommend for the Firewall setting:
1. "Allow all incoming connections"
2. "Allow only essential services" (what exactly does that mean?)
3. Under "Advanced" it allows a "Stealth Mode;" is that a recommended option?

Still learning a year after making "The Switch"....:Blushing:

1. No, unless you are using it as a web server or sharing files with other machines.
2. Yes, maybe for file and print sharing and one or two other things.
3. Yes, stealth will not respond to any requests whether a port is open or not so to confuse hackers.