[vox] [OT] Length of time to infect a Windows computer?

[Shwaine]

On Sat, 25 Sep 2004, ME wrote:
> The only ways to install and upgrade without infection include:
> * Sneaker-net with all updates (difficult, but not impossible)
> * setup a filtered network/firewall to block all incoming connections and
> protect your windows box while you upgrade.
>

There's another way. Do all the installations and patching offline by CD. 
Use the MS TechNet security bulletin search 
(http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/CurrentDL.aspx) to download all 
the patches relevant to your install on something like a Linux box, then 
burn a CD of said patches. I also usually put a date ordered readme file 
so I can apply all the patches in order of release. The one good thing MS 
did with that TechNet search is you can restrict results not only by 
product, but also by service pack. It's more up-to-date and quicker than 
the CD by mail option that also exists.