diff --git a/install-stage1.sh b/install-stage1.sh
index 71f15b3..2587b2a 100644
--- a/install-stage1.sh
+++ b/install-stage1.sh
@@ -46,9 +46,17 @@ function run_in_target {
 clear
 touch $LOGFILE
 
-#TODO: check that we are root
-#TODO: check that we are online
-# -> could be done by pinging repo-default.voidlinux.org
+if [ ! "$(id -u)" -eq 0 ]; then
+  echo "Must be root to run this script!"
+  exit 1
+fi
+
+if ping -c4 repo-default.voidlinux.org >> $LOGFILE 2>&1; then
+  :
+else
+  echo "An internet connection is required to run this script."
+  exit 1
+fi
 
 echo "
 This script will now download and install Void Linux on your USB stick.