Ok getting back into 3d work and was looking to get the newest issue of daz(as mine is about 9 years old?)
Does the new install still need to be on a system connected to the net? I was going to toss it on my desk top and not my lap top.

Does it need a one time net connection?

I know this was a thing way back but....

No it does not need to phone home and in the preference you should set it to not log on.  Do not use Central, the new installer that DAZ is trying to shove down new users' throats, DIM is still available  https://www.daz3d.com/get_install_manager/

No, even the latest version does not need an active internet connection so far as I know. If that's changed, fall back to 4.12. However, it's important to note that if you actively uninstall the database (it goes by the name of 'DAZ PostGre SQL CMS') after install, perhaps thinking it might try to connect to the internet, then using the Library search after that will crash Studio.

Ds does not require an internet connection, though communication with the database uses Internet protocol on the local machine. There are three ways DS can go online, a version checker which looks to see if there is an updated version available, an application improvement scheme that will send anonymised data to Daz if you agree (it pops up a request on first run), and the non-anonymous connection to your account if you choose to enter your log-in details. All are optional, and can be turned off later if you do initially opt in.