I want to uninstall Norton(internet security). Is it better to do that thru Windows add/uninstall(in control center) or use the Norton removal 'tool' "for all products later than (i think it said 2008?)? I want to install Avast. The Norton just is too big for my small laptop. I don't need a map to show me where bad things are-it's just got too much useless stuff for a non-business, non IT person.

Use the Norton removal tool. The Windows uninstall will remove most but not every trace of Norton and those bits remaining may interfere with your new software.

and then make sure you go look in different places.... documents and settings.... applications --# Open My Computer, double-click on Drive C
# Double-click on Program Files
# Look for any Norton or Symatec product folders that remain. Right-click on them and choose Delete. Also look in the Program Files\Common Files for the Symantec Shared folder and delete it look for Symantec files that may be left behind even with the removal tool

Thanks so much! also will Avast have its own firewall or do i use the windows one?

You can use the Windows firewall. Avast doesn't have one.