If I never connect my Windows 7 laptop to internet and never use USB thumbdrive to copy files into my laptop.
Do i still need to do security update from time to time? And install anti-virus security suites?

Normally I will use Windows 7 to do work, key in data from hardcopy, do excel calculation/graph and do microsoft word documents.
After finish work than burn the files to DVD and move the DVD to a Linux PC which is connected to internet and send the data files to boss. (I work at home).

The reason i follow this procedure is because i don't want to wast time to do security update (both windows and anti-virus) and save the annual anti-virus fee. ( and I heard that some malicious software are so advance that no anti-virus is able to detect them and clean them.)

If your computer is totally cut off from any external input,there will be no security risk at play IMHO..But Windows PC have those update to be installed because it will improve your PC integrity and also fix some flaws that maybe bugs the OS itself..For example it might solve most blue screen problems or force closes..Then again if you're not even exposed to external input,those updates doesn't really matter.

Using a free antivirus is enough for casual use and if you're not downloading collections of movies,dramas,games and what not..Windows Defender should be enough too..

So to answer your question..No and no..I might be wrong though..Another thing,Linux PC do have malware threats too you know?And it's a lot dangerous than average viruses..

updating latest security update is to ensure your system protected from all the possible entry points.
It protect your machine from being probe even if it is in the LAN.
If you are sure your network only you, and your Linux box and your windows is not connected to internet, at any time.. you may skip the update which, is not advisable.
How about your Linux box? Have you update it? Security update not limit only to MS products ..

Of course it is important to use the latest Linux.
Just downloaded the latest Fedora 17 and the latest Firefox.16.

And what rational reason behind making you know it is important to use latest Linux, but not the window?

The reason is because my Fedora Linux is connected to internet all the time, but never connect Windows to internet except the 1st time after reinstall windows when do activation.

If so, is not required to update to the latest update if the window is totally isolated.
But should also update when a new Service pack is released.

go to mcdonald use their free wifi to update your antivirus

go full linux.

Everytime i use my Windows 7 connect to free public wifi.
When reach home, at night, i will reformat the whole harddisk and re-install fresh copy of Windows 7.
The installation DVD is a SP1 Win 7.
No need update, no need antivirus.

This post has been edited by snowball2446: Jan 11 2013, 04:00 AM

dude why did you do that ? formatting hard disk will take a lot of time and not good for your hard drive...i'd suggest you clon /image / os backup your harddisk and when something happen to it just reverse the state to original install..

much much faster and easier...

From your routine activities you mentioned, I would say that the risk of getting virus infection is quite low.
Yes you may skip security update, but it is still recommended, a common practice.

Hello there & very good day

From my view, it's ok IF your line of work is just like what you've mentioned...

Just what a waste that your laptop only used for a very common purpose only. You pay quite a money for the lappy, or the windows 7, yet you are hesitate to install security update @ security product...

Don't be over/extreme paranoid, just be cautions & practice good computer habit...

It's not necessary but recommended to update your win7.

I'm just curious that why you need two laptop to do things that one laptop can do it all. Feels like a waste. No offence.

even without internet, virus can still spread through usb sticks, via excel macros, etc...

if you don't want AV, then
off autorun for drives,
off macros,
more important, run with a user with no admin rights. hey! doesn't android/linux do this?