[Ham-Computers] Avoiding Malware During Reinstallation

[Jim Hill]

I'm preparing to reformat and reinstall Win XP Pro.  It's an older computer 
(Dell OptiPlex with a Pentium 933 or 966, I forgot which) connected with a 
cable modem through a Linksys router. It will take plenty of time to 
download upgrades for Norton Internet Security - at least a half hour. I 
obtained a CD with SP2 from Microsoft, but additional time will be required 
for other Microsoft updates.

I'm concerned about malware problems that may occur during the time the 
computer is unprotected. In the past, I obtained info on avoiding the 
Sasser and Gabot viruses, but no doubt other problems have occurred since them.

Any suggestions?  Jim