Once your online your obviously vulnerable to the many threats out there. Before putting your computer online what software should be previously installed? Is there a way of getting any of the windows updates for windows XP pro before actually connecting online (perhaps burning the files to a disk on another computer, possible?). What is considered to be the essential anti-virus software and anti-trojan software out there? Spyware? Adware? IDS?There so many different products out there-some are good and some are bad.

What would you have on your system before you connect?
What preconfigurations would you do before you connect?
What are the vital first steps once your online?