- Assume always connected - Automatic Updates always assumes that there is an active network connection. Note that if the computer does not actually have a permanent network connection and is set up for dial-on-demand, this behavior can result in multiple dial-ups initiated by the Automatic Updates.
- Detect connection - Automatic Updates attempts to detect whether the network connection is active, and tries to communicate only when there appears to be a network connection. This is the default setting.
- Detect traffic - Automatic Updates attempts to detect whether the network connection is active by detecting if other applications are using the network. Recommended for computers without a permanent connection to the network, but with unusual hardware configurations that cause "Detect connection" to decide that there is always a network connection.