throwy555

I've lately been noticing a particularly high performance hit on my personal computer from the antivirus software that I run (Avast).

I'm generally careful about what I download and run on my computer -- is there still reason for me to use antivirus software?

Preface: I know that superficially I should not be abusing any prescription drugs, but I want to know about the experiences of HNers and how they would approach my situation. I am in the process of getting appointments with actual doctors, and I am not here for medical advice. Rather, as a STEM student, I am looking for life advice.

I'm currently finishing up my first-year in undergraduate at a top-5 computer science university. The coursework is extremely difficult, and I am more intellectually and academically challenged than ever before.

On two or three occasions I have made use of prescription stimulants (specifically Adderall in small doses) purchased from my peers (who obtain it legally). The effects have been tremendous -- for the first time I feel like I can choose what to focus on, and the positive effects on my productivity and learning are unexpectedly high.

Does anyone have specific experiences, data, reading material, etc. to dissuade me from occasional use of study-aids? Was it worth it for you to do in college? Can anyone personally speak to long-term effects?

Thanks

Background: I'm a first-year undergraduate at a top-5 computer science university.

I'm interested in becoming a cryptographer eventually. I know that lately, the field of post-quantum cryptography is growing rapidly.

If I'm interested in pursuing cryptography, should I be focusing my studies on mathematics, computer science, or physics (for the quantum stuff)?