New to XP. Help with Windows Update and security needed

[Jamie]

Hi,
Just got a new PC with Windows XP Home SP1 on it.
I have never used this OS before and when I did a live update it came up
with 13 critical updates. Some where cumulative. Do I have to download
them all or if one says cumulative do I ignore all the previous updates
for this particular part of the program.? . Also on my previous OS on my
old machine Win98 SE I was able to disable and make safe the network
connections from attack by altering the threading of this system. It
possible to do this on XP ???
Plus any other security hints or general hints anyone can give me
Any help appreciated
Thanks and Regards

 

[Dad2ten]

Jamie:
Every once in awhile Microsoft issues a roll up of all the cumulative
updates. Those are the ones to look for. I don't know about the threading
but there is a firewall. Right click your connection and check its
properties. There's no alert to let you know its off so you have to keep and
eye on it.
Jerry