Do you have any recommendation as far as a specific program? ZoneAlarm worked fine for 18 months, but after this last episode I'm not in a hurry to use it again.
Do not install software off of the internet, unless it is obtained directly from the publisher. Do not download music, porn, or unlicensed software.
I assume this would not apply to something like iTunes?
iTunes is fine.
I don't think you need a fancy software firewall that generates detailed reports.
Do you use a Mac or Windows?
A router is better protection but not reqd.