To be always online, or not to be

Both my desktop and laptop have the wi-fi turned off until I have a reason to be online. I always make sure that the first thing I do after getting online is update my antivirus software, then I proceed with whatever the task is for the moment. As soon as I am done I turn off the wi-fi.
This works for me because I never have been much of an internet user anyway. Besides, I have a nice tablet for that sort of browsing.

jyoung60
 
Not sure what your reply is supposed to accomplish, other than trying to make me feel stupid for asking?

I think he was responding to my post jyoung60, though your sentiment still stands:)
 

Sanderxpander
You mean except for all the reasons we just posted? 

All of the reasons listed involve the pc being used for purposes other than music production (email etc). Jyoung60 has a dedicated music production workstation. I have always had an offline sudio PC and believe there are many advantages to this. You are of course welcome to your own opinion.  Your comment seems to indicate you perhaps don't always extend this same courtesy to others
 

The bottom line is why run the risk when there's no need to?
 
I understand that many people stay connected 24/7 for lots of valid reasons.
None of these apply to me hence my decision to remain offline until I need to be online.
 

While staying online is not going to a problem for most users, that doesn't mean it can't be.
 
If your network connection is over wi-fi, you should switch it off when not needed. Wi-fi is notorious for incurring excessive DPC overhead that can result in dropouts. Disabling wi-fi shouldn't cause any problems. But for wired connections, disabling the network can lead to problems with plugins whose licenses are tied to the network adapter's MAC address. 

The great thing about being off line with your audio machine is you can disable many processes that may be taking up memory and CPU use. Antivirus programs. Some of these things can go into scan mode and almost take over your (C and others) hard drives.  The only process that should really be running on your music computer are those processes involved with that and nothing else.
 
My audio machine boots up with no firewall, virus checker or anything. I have to turn all those things on before I get started (updating virus checkers first with latest viruses etc) and like many it is only to update or authorise something. Then I turn them all off again and keep working.
 
For those who like keeping their computers on line ZoneAlarm has a great feature that lets you completely disable your computer from the net by a simple click.  It is like a switch and removes your machine from being on line.  Great for going away from it for long periods etc.  It only takes one click to go back on again.
 
For those who have had trouble free time on line that is great and you have been lucky.  I have been attacked by things in the middle of important paid projects where audio settings and the registry even got hacked and changed. And major music things broke as well. Forcing you to waste sometimes days getting your computer back to normal operation.