So I'm getting my new rig set up, and am planning on it being used only for DAW work; no internet.  Having said that, I obviously need to have it connected for the inital X3 download, updates, and any other software downloads I may want/need.  As I've heard of bad things arising due to conflicts with antivirus software and audio software, what do you all recommend?  Should I install AVG or Avast before downloading X3?  Should I not bother, and take a small chance of getting something nasty during the time it takes to download what I need?  Or should I install the Antivirus software but disable it before installing any DAW related software?  Not sure how easy AV software is to disable; I've never done it before.  Thanks in advance!

I would recommend AV during download. During install you will need to turn it off so at that point I would disable any web connections.
 
I use MS Security Essentials for AV
 
Regards,

 I strongly recommend installing antivirus software, there really is no reason not to nowadays.
If you are running realtime antivirus scan (recommended) MS suggests exclusion of the following folders:
 
C:\windows\SoftwareDistribution\Datastore\Logs\res*.log
C:\windows\SoftwareDistribution\Datastore\Logs\res*.jrs
C:\windows\SoftwareDistribution\Datastore\Logs\edb.chk
C:\windows\SoftwareDistribution\Datastore\Logs\Tmp.edb
c:\windows\Security\Database\*.edb
c:\windows\Security\Database\*.sdb
c:\windows\Security\Database\*.log
c:\windows\Security\Database\*.chk
c:\windows\Security\Database\*.jrs
C:\ProgramData\NTUser.pol
C:\Windows\System32\GroupPolicy\Registry.pol
 
In addition I exclude the Cakewalk Content and the Cakewalk Project folders and:
C:\Program Files\Cakewalk\SONAR X3 Producer\SONARPDR.exe
 
When it comes to antivirus software there are tons of opinions, so rather  than rehash the same thread please read:
http://forum.cakewalk.com/Microsoft-Securtiy-Essentials-m2947912.aspx
 
I never turnoff antivirus except when I get a troublesome software installation.
 
Cheers
 
Alex

If you choose to run AVast while downloading X3 you may have issues with it blocking files, unless the AV software has been fixed http://forum.cakewalk.com...nd-part3-m2896340.aspx

One last thing, here is a useful utility which shows how your system is accessing files:
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-gb/sysinternals/bb896645
 
 

I happen to use Avast's free version of antivirus.
 
I have had issue downloading from the Cakewalk site in the past with Avast runnung, so I suspend it when downloading Sonar versions/updates.
 
I also have it suspended when installing Sonar, but I DO have it on at all other times.
 
Bob Bone
 
 

Very helpful info, everyone!  I checked out a couple of those other threads, and I have to say, I'm leaning toward NOT installing AV software (Avast) until AFTER I download X3.  I just don't want to risk the AV not being fully disabled and blocking a file or files that I need.  And I honestly have the confidence that I won't get anything nasty from the Cakewalk or XLN sites, the only 2 I plan on visiting before disconnecting the internet cable.  Don't even need to download Firefox, as I have the install .exe on an external drive.

If it worries you that much just disable it when you are installing the software (certainly don't disable when you are downloading).
Antivirus is probably the first thing I install. NB the only issue I've personally had with installations and antivirus is Native Instruments which insist on virtually mounting ISOs.
 
Cheers.

If you have another internet connected computer you could download the files from there and transfer them to your DAW on a flash drive.