If for some reason you cannot update the antivirus and firewall
software using a “safe” computer as described above, you will
definitely be taking a risk by connecting the new computer to the
Internet. However, if you’re running Windows Z’, you can reduce
the risk by making sure that xp’s built-in Internet Connection
Firewall (known as Windows Firewall under Service Pack 2) is
enabled. If Service Pack 2 is installed, Windows Firewall should he
enabled by default (but check this!). If Service Pack 2 is not
installed or if the default has not properly enabled Internet Connection
Firewall, you will need to enable Internet Connection
Firewall. To access and enable Internet Connection Firewall, click
St art... Control Panel ... and double-click Networking and Internet
Connections, and then click Network Connections