Windows 7: Moved into Dorms want to protect computer

Hi everyone i just moved into dorm style apartments, and i want to protect my computer. i used to live in a house where i utilized a router, now i am just plugged directly into the wall at these apartments. i want to make sure that i am protected, and i'm still fairly new at Windows 7. I open the action center and check the securities tab and i notice that the network firewall is on. is there anything else i can do to protect myself? I also use Noscript, and scan my computer with Malware bytes. any suggestions for being safe? thanks for helping!

Use a good antivirus. Enable password protection wherever possible.

I second what Dinesh said. There are a number of free antivirus solutions available.

Also, if you're using the Windows 7 firewall, look into adding the firewall controller - Windows 7 Firewall Control : Sphinx Software - the free one will help you control outbound connections without having to tweak the firewall policies themselves.

(A slightly more expensive solution would be to buy your own router, a bit of overkill for a single system, but it may prove to be a good investment if you get extra gear, like a networked printer or network storage drive or want to play LAN games with friends.)

Check with your provider at the dorm as to what systems are already in place.
run a decent resident Anti-virus
Run a decent personal firewall ( I include the windows one as long as it is configured well)
Keep UAC on

Practice safe Surfing

Safe Hex - safe computing tips to defend against viruses, worms, trojans, and other malware.

use a non-administrator user account on your computer

And what sense would it make?

As a non admin user any malware that did take over the computer would only have the abilities of the standard user - it would be unable to access and alter any system settings

Using the UAC will also provide this protection when set at it's highest level

thank you for all of the advice, can anyone recommend a decent router? something in the 20-40$ range?

Can't give specific advice for your market in US but you should be able to find something from the major manufacturers - Linksys, Belkin or d-Link

I just checked Pricewatch, Networking Router on Pricewatch.com, and they have a number in your price range, from all of the major manufacturers. I have a Linksys, have had d-Link and Belkin. I don't recall a lot of difference between the major brands. Different features mostly.

I like and can recommend Linksys, a Cisco company now I believe.