I'm assuming you are formatting the OS Drive. Not a secondary data
partition/drive.
Thus:
No not during the format, there are no drivers etc running.
Some people have said they like to get the system up and running, and
even get AV software and Firewall setup before plugging it in.
I think its a bit overboard, but no harm is done except if you have to
activate, you have to postpone that item for later, which you can do easily.
Yes, you should. If you don't you may be infected with a virus or other
pest before the installation is barely done! Make sure that your
firewall is on and properly configured before you reconnect the cable.
If your Windows CD includes SP2 this threat will be diminished because
the firewall service is automatically started by default, pre-SP2 the
firewall is off until you enable it.
Presumably you're doing this to install an operating system? It'd be a
good idea to do so (unless there's a router with NAT capabilities
between your computer and the broadband modem), until you get a firewall
and anti-virus application installed. It takes only minutes, sometimes
seconds, for a computer to become infected by exposure to the Internet
without protection.
They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary
safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. ~Benjamin Franklin
Many people would rather die than think; in fact, most do. ~Bertrand Russell
The philosopher has never killed any priests, whereas the priest has
killed a great many philosophers.
~ Denis Diderot
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