Alternate way to get Windows Updates

I have temporarily given up on using Windows Update. I am not sure if it is
a firewall issue beyond my control or what but my questions is:

Is there another way to get updates without using the Windows Update program?

Mark Cusumano wrote:

> I have temporarily given up on using Windows Update. I am not sure if it is
> a firewall issue beyond my control or what but my questions is:
>
> Is there another way to get updates without using the Windows Update program?

One can always go to the Microsoft Download Center and download the patches,
including the cumulative updates, for Windows XP.