I need some guidance

Having perused this forum in preparation for my first laptop, I have gathered a wealth of information i hope to put to use. I recently added the Avira Antivir and the Comodo Firewall to my laptop.
The AV is prettily simple.
I downloaded, installed, and read the workings of the Firewall, and i think i understand how the program works.
I see it as a beginning. As different programs attempt to reach in/reach out through my computer's system, the firewall acts as a 'checkpoint'. If something is questionable, doesn't match up with what is known by the software, or is already deemed 'dangerous', i am notified. I then have the choice to describe to the software what I as the user would like to have happen with said action taking place.
I understand, too, that I determine whether the action is ongoing, one time, or conditional.

Here is where I am lost. I have little understanding of how to interpret what the said programs are, where they are coming from and what their intentions are.
I want the 'best' and 'most efficient' for my computer. And, my level of knowledge and understanding needs to be considered.
Is there a way to learn what these programs are, their intention, and what is the best option for the system I am attempting to run? Is there software that requires less knowledge on the part of the user that is equally effective?
I believe that greater understanding offers the best protection and overall performance of my computer.

Appreciated

 

If you're asking how to apply rules and regulations to the firewall such as allowing one program but not allowing another, Comodo can do this, all you have to do is set it to learning and it'll ask you whenever an app needs to connect to the internet. After you set it once, it'll remember you're settings. Set the "trust" level any lower and you may get "too" many messages.

 

I understand this. I don't know when I need to say 'no' to an application. i am concerned i don't know enough about what is happening during this exchange.
I've tested it in some ways. for example, during a 'windows update' download, i denied something related to a mail program. when the update was complete, this part of the download was listed as 'incomplete' in the report.
okay.
i was downloading mozilla, and an application was asking for 'control over the system' and i thought 'whoa, what am i getting into?'
so i am ignorant, and concerned i will 'do something wrong'. not a good mix.
so my question has more to do with knowing what applications to have access and which ones to deny.
I don't want to make a decision from ignorance that could jeapordize my whole system.
I am learning about how to work this and i appreciate your taking the time in this.

 

Just to inform you, for the most part you can allow everything. Unless you have something nasty on your system you barely need to touch the controls of Comodo. If i were you i'd just set it in training mode, and allow all the apps i trust and if i see something i don't know, don't allow it.

 

if it's a program you are unfamiliar with, just Google the name.

For the most part, you can allow your programs to access the network. Or just flag them as trusted programs.