No, updates should not be necessary however we highly recommend that you keep all Microsoft software 'up-to-date', such as their patches (referred to as service packs). These are downloaded from the Microsoft web site. We recommend this as it is one 'additional' step that will help you to keep your system safe while connected with high speed Wireless Internet. This is in addition to our 'first' recommendation which is to have a personal firewall software running on your system and an anti-virus software running as well.

• Windows Microsoft Updates: Free Download

Here are some helpful links, including OPEN SOURCE and FREE ANTI-VIRUS or ANTI-SPYWARE Software links:

• A-squared: An anti-malware program that scans your PC for infections of Trojans, Viruses, Spyware, Adware, Worms, Bots, Keyloggers and Dialers. Free Download

• Spybot: Search & Destroy: detects and removes Spyware. Free Download

• Ad-Aware: Detects and removes spyware, adware, viruses, popups, hidden ads, phising attacks, hijackers, trojans, rootkits, rogue programs, keystroke loggers, malicious BHOs, dialers, worms and virus. Free Download

• Clamwin: Free anti-virus program. Free Download

I'm having difficulty getting connected with Microsoft Windows XP.

Microsft Windows XP Service Pack1 has some problems that are corrected when Service Pack 2 is installed. Use of Windows XP on your Laptop can be a problem if you have the Network Bridge turned on. This may have to be deleted to get it to work. The steps include clicking on your Start Button, then your Control Panel and then into Network Connections. This seems to be a problem when the laptop has a combination of ethernet connectivity and wireless (again referred to as a Network Bridge) turned on so please 'turn it off'.