Building my first PC, I have some questions.....

[Lionheart1827]

I was wondering, when everything is hooked up and ready to go, and you go to install your OS(win xp), i read that you should have a firewall installed before you get your pc connected to the internet. correct me if im wrong, but when you install XP, doesnt it have to connect to the internet in order to activate? how would i go about installing my firewall before connecting to the internet with a homebuilt pc from scratch.


also, another question, is there any special order you should install drivers and such? if so, let me know. thanks a lot.


by the way, im new to this, so go easy on me!

 

[Lionheart1827]

anyone?

 

[Nickc19]

You dont have to be connected to the internet to activate XP. Call the automated Microsoft line (when the thing in Windows pops up asking if you want to activate, select activate by phone, and it gives you the number to call according to your location) and it'll ask you to enter your product key, and then it'll give you an activation code.

-Nick-

 

[trexpesto]

Hey congrats Lion, there are a couple of threads around about which order to install. I think winxp comes with a personal firewall, don't know when it kicks in. But either way, I believe you can install without an internet connection, probably it gives you 14 days or something.

 

[salaku]

You have a whole 30 days to activate your windowsXP. Install XP and install all your drivers. Install your firewall software be it Norton or Mcafee or Zonealarm whattever. Then get on the internet download your service pack and other updates from microsoft and other component vendors. Update your firewall software as well. You don't have to activate XP as soon as you install it. Go ahead you will be fine. Good luck.