updates question from newbie

good morning,
i have windows xp, sp1. i just received the computer i am using a week
or so ago. i just received the computer i am using and the previous
owner didn't install the sp2.
i've been reading posts here about the updates.
will i need to do any of these updates since i haven't installed sp2?
if so, i wouldn't even know how to go about it and what i would need to
do once they were downloaded....
sorry if this is confusing, but i am new to a computer and still need to
learn a lot.
thank you,

gail

Yes, you can download the updates without SP2. You should try to stay
up-to-date with the security updates to help protect your PC. SP2 'might' be
a good idea for a home PC because of the added security features. (I say
'might' b/c I have yet to install it b/c of problems with it at work.) To
get the updates you can click on Tools at the top of your IE browser and then
click on Windows Update. Just follow the directions on the screen to scan
your PC for needed updates.

"Gail B" wrote:

> good morning,
> i have windows xp, sp1. i just received the computer i am using a week
> or so ago. i just received the computer i am using and the previous
> owner didn't install the sp2.
> i've been reading posts here about the updates.
> will i need to do any of these updates since i haven't installed sp2?
> if so, i wouldn't even know how to go about it and what i would need to
> do once they were downloaded....
> sorry if this is confusing, but i am new to a computer and still need to
> learn a lot.
> thank you,
>
> gail
>
>

Hi Gail,
There are a couple easy steps for you to start off with. First, right click
My Computer icon and then click Properties. Click the tab that has Automatic
Updates on it. Then click the button next to Automatic (Recommended). Close
that window and click Start, then Control Panel. On the left side of that
window will be a link "Windows Update" that you will click. Once that window
opens, your PC will be scanned automatically for any updates it may need. The
updates to be concerned with should be the "critical" ones for now. Follow
the instructions and happy computing. If you have any problems, keep in
touch. Good luck.
Randy

"Gail B" wrote:

> good morning,
> i have windows xp, sp1. i just received the computer i am using a week
> or so ago. i just received the computer i am using and the previous
> owner didn't install the sp2.
> i've been reading posts here about the updates.
> will i need to do any of these updates since i haven't installed sp2?
> if so, i wouldn't even know how to go about it and what i would need to
> do once they were downloaded....
> sorry if this is confusing, but i am new to a computer and still need to
> learn a lot.
> thank you,
>
> gail
>
>

thank you for your help, i really do appreciate it. as i said before i
am new to using a computer and it sure is different from the webtv; more
challenging but more interesting and enjoyable.
thanks again.

gail

Gail;
You should stay up to date with ALL Critical Updates.
Service Pack 2 includes all but the most recent Critical Updates.

Follow the Service Pack Installation Checklist to install SP-2:
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/spackins.htm

Also see this link to help keep your computer secure:
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/security.htm

--
Jupiter Jones [MVP]
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/


"Gail B" <> wrote in message
news:16938-416FC8D7-...
> good morning,
> i have windows xp, sp1. i just received the computer i am using a
> week
> or so ago. i just received the computer i am using and the previous
> owner didn't install the sp2.
> i've been reading posts here about the updates.
> will i need to do any of these updates since i haven't installed
> sp2?
> if so, i wouldn't even know how to go about it and what i would need
> to
> do once they were downloaded....
> sorry if this is confusing, but i am new to a computer and still
> need to
> learn a lot.
> thank you,
>
> gail
>