Desktop gadgets were an inescapable element that you had no matter what when you were running Windows Vista. Although it made your system vulnerable to security threats, you still had them installed because of how appealing it looked.

With the release of Windows 10, people were disappointed with the lack of desktop gadgets as this was replaced with the windows app store instead. But that didn’t stop people from making unofficial gadgets for Microsoft’s newest operating system. Let us look at some of the ones that are noteworthy.

1. Avedesk

Avedesk, although very simple in its approach, in one gadget that allows you to have icons on the desktop screen as you could in the previous versions of windows. These icons, in essence, act as shortcuts to gadgets that they think are necessary. These include apps of the likes of mail or calculator. They also keep updating the interface to make it look sleeker and good looking. These are the reasons why Avedesk is held in high regard when it comes to windows gadgets.

2. Win10 Widgets

If you’re looking for a widget that is optimized to deliver the bare essentials of what you might look to get from your laptop or pc, then Win10 Widgets is the gadget for you as it supports WiFi, music, and battery among other functions. You can also change your wallpapers using this gadget or even change the size of the screen. A significant drawback with this gadget is the fact that it doesn’t support auto updates and hence, you’ll need to manually download their updates directly from the website as and when it is time.

3. 8GadgetPack

8GadgetPack has recently released a version that addresses many of the bugs and glitches that users of the earlier version have highlighted. With 8GadgetPack, you can expect apps that are used commonly by many in windows 10. The app also works with the post-anniversary version of windows as well. With 8GadgetPack, you can expect apps of the likes of CPU Meter, Currency, Reminder, and Clipboard.

4. Gadgets Revived

With Gadgets Revived, you have the option of picking gadgets that suit your line of work. After installing Gadgets Revived, you’ll be able to select and install apps to your liking. You can choose gadgets that are spaced in over 16 categories, although each category has apps which are more or less a reskin of the same apps. Calculator, MusicRadio and Timers are some of the apps that you can have with Gadgets Revived.

Install anti-virus/malware software

This is the first, and foremost safety tip advised to a new user of computers. Computers which do not possess any anti-virus or malware software are at high risk of incurring such malware leading to extensive systematic and data damage of the mainframe.

Keep your anti-virus software up to date

After the initial step of installing protection software, the second crucial step is maintaining it. Free anti-virus is not the best, but it is better than nothing. Microsoft provides an inbuilt security package for free. Many users are not aware of this program. It provides an adequate level of protection.

Run periodical scheduled scans with anti-virus software

Set up your software to run scheduled scans at regular intervals. A minimum of once a week is recommended. Tend to run scans at night when the computer is not being used to prevent any clash with daytime work.

Keep your operating system current

Whether you are a Windows, Mac OS X, Linux or any other OS user, be sure to keep it up to date. Operating system developers always issue the latest security patches intended to fix and plug security leaks. Availing these patches up to date is bound to keep your system up to date and secure.

Secure your network

Since the computer accesses various files and internet through the Wi-Fi connection, it is essential to encrypt the connection with a strong password. Do not broadcast on an open Wi-Fi connection and tend to select WPA or WPA2 encryption. It is recommended to no broadcast your SSID as well.

Think before you click

Tend to avoid websites which provide pirated material and restrict from opening an email attachment from individuals and companies you are not aware of. Always remember to scan a file, an email, etc. before downloading it from the internet.

Keep your personal information safe

Hackers can gain vital personal information about you through social engineering and in doing so will get enough and more information about you to steal your identity or gain access to banking data. To avoid such online fatality, tread cautiously on message boards and social media. Do not forget to lock down all of your privacy settings and avoid mentioning your real name in chat platforms.

Don’t use an open Wi-Fi

When you are at local coffee shops, airports and library, restrain from using the public network as think if you can gain access to it, what could an experienced, trained malicious individual do?

Back up your files

Back up your data on the computer using an external hard drive and then tend to keep them at different locations to ensure utmost protection.

Use multiple strong passwords

Never use the same password or username for various accounts including bank details as it would it make it easy for hackers to gain access to substantial information with ease. Tend to use a password with a combination of lower case, upper case, numbers and symbols to strengthen the password.