Keeping Windows up-to-date ensures your PC is protected from the latest known security holes and fixes bugs or errors of the operating system, which will help increase PC performance. You can easily check for and perform needed updates for Windows by visiting the following website: http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com You can also configure Windows XP to automatically download updates when they become available:
1. Open the Control Panel. If the Start menu is in classic look, the Control Panel is under Settings on the menu.
2. Click Security Center, if the Control Panel is in category view; otherwise ignore this step and move to the next step.
3. Click Automatic Updates.
4. It’s recommended to use the Automatic option.