I do exactly as rbecker does. Sometimes I forget, and if I get a hiccup, or adobe acrobat wants to update, ( god, do they write a new update every other day?) that's the first thing I reach for

Peace of mind is the virtue I value.
 
My PC got into an update loop, whereby the update is rejected, the PC automatically restores (this takes 45min), then automatically notices it's missing an update so again it downloads it and installs it, then hits the same problem and restores, then downloads and updates, then restores....
 
There was no solution to stop this, and that is how I got into Linux. I couldn't fix the problem, so I had to get a new PC and for lack of any other use I installed Linux on the old one.
 
Wasted two entire weekends, not to mention time of reinstalling and re-registering all my software on the new PC.
 
Solidly off-line from now on.

Sheanes
....
Windows Updates, McAfee and Internet Explorer were sometimes causing problems on my computer.

1) Set Windows Updates to "Check for updates but let me choose when...".  Problem solved.
2) Get rid of McAfee.  Plenty of good virus scanners that are proven to be Sonar-friendly.
3) See #1 (Just guessing your IE issues are due to some auto-update nonsense).  Turn it off, or better yet, switch to Firefox or Chrome.
 
I'm online 24/7.  But I have a safety net in the form of regular backup images to an external drive.  Thing is, I can't remember the last time I had to restore from it. 

jpetersen
Peace of mind is the virtue I value.
 
...that is how I got into Linux. I couldn't fix the problem, so I had to get a new PC and for lack of any other use I installed Linux on the old one.
 
Wasted two entire weekends, not to mention time of reinstalling and re-registering all my software on the new PC.
 
Solidly off-line from now on.

Similar issue here. All my internet stuff is done through Linux (Mint). Having Windows offline also allows you to shut off a number of background processes (like anti-virus and WiFi) and that has brought about not only increased speed but stability. Given all the snooping Windows 10 does, I would much rather just keep it disconnected from the mother ship.

 
As I use 2 DAW's equally I use both worlds without issue. I have a Workstation and a Laptop. 
The workstation:
 
 I do as Jonesey, I have a wireless dongle so super easy to unplug. I have limited internet of only 3 Gigs a month so on line is not even an option. 
I'm still on Windows 8.1 and not planning on changing, I would have been better off on W7 ( IMHO) but Windows 8.1 was cheaper at the time. The OS is invisable to me. 
Once I got the computer running 100% I have not done one update in over a year.  I see no point. I only check for Sonar and my interface drivers. I use it hours on end. Here is the beauty of off line,, no worries of virus or internet takeovers of my world. 
I used the off line activation of Sonar on this DAW as Command Center never worked properly for some unknow reason I don't feel I need to investigate.. All is working and recording 100%. 
 
My Laptop: 
I use CC on my Laptop because I can go where there is better internet. I use it to record my band at gigs and in our practice space. It is W7 and I keep everything updated. It has a wireless swicth I turn off when working but otherwise it's a normal laptop and I also use it for basic internet chores and surfing. 
I don't do any power Sonar work on it so cannot say what would happen. This is 90% audio and only one midi track from the keyboard player. I go in and do basic editing and stuff without issue. I'll switch to WDM mode if I don't have my Interface with me and it all works perfectly fine. 

I've been "offline" with my machine since I built it. By that I mean I attach an ethernet cable up to it every so often to snag OS/AV updates or download new goodies but really aside from the OS and AV updates I could just stay offline with Sonar (for now... which they'd better not change).
 
One annoying thing though... Addictive Drums (well any XLN products) requires an online registration which is obnoxious. They make it extra obnoxious by forcing you to set your default browser to IE (or Safari) and lower certain internet security settings. It's really annoying and lame but can be reversed immediately after you have everything installed.
 
I heard something about Zeta (or maybe one of the other Cake synths) require an online registration too but I think they were doing something about that.
 
Sonar itself has a fully offline installation method for those who desire to use it (download on another PC, transfer it to the DAW, get a code from the online PC and apply it in Sonar to the offline PC). You only have to do that once (for the new Sonar) then you can just download, transfer and install the updates without any extra silliness.
 
The Cakewalk Command Center though (that they recommend vehemently) requires an internet connection AFAIK.... but you only have to hook up to the toobs when you actually want to update. So not "always online" like other more obnoxious programs out there I would never use.
 
Cheers.

Beepster
I heard something about Zeta (or maybe one of the other Cake synths) require an online registration too but I think they were doing something about that.

...They said they would do somethng. I keep revisiting that thread in the hope something changes, but nope.
I downloaded the update back then, took it home on a thumb drive, installed it and... Oh, Expletive.

XLN can be installed/activated/authorised on an offline machine, they have a feature for this on their website...it's quite easy...eh sorry, that only support early version (mine is AD1) 

Sheanes
XLN can be installed/activated/authorised on an offline machine, they have a feature for this on their website...it's quite easy...eh sorry, that only support early version (mine is AD1) 

Yeah... they totally overhauled their website and registration scheme a couple years back. It's a little annoying.
 

jpetersen

Beepster
I heard something about Zeta (or maybe one of the other Cake synths) require an online registration too but I think they were doing something about that.

...They said they would do somethng. I keep revisiting that thread in the hope something changes, but nope.
I downloaded the update back then, took it home on a thumb drive, installed it and... Oh, Expletive.

I downloaded and installed it but haven;t tried it yet. Not sure if it authorized. I did have the internet connected at the time so maybe it auto authorized or it will piggy back on my old reg code... but now I'm a little concerened. Oh well... I guess I'll see how it goes.
 
hmm... actually maybe I didn't install it yet. I'd have to check my install notes.

There is nowhere to enter the old reg code in the updated version.
The previous version worked like DimPro and Rapture (the old Rapture).