How often should you update your computer software?

I've noticed within the past year that my computer has been acting up and I know it's because of my antivirus and or spyware, but should I update to a newer verison of windows xp as well and if so can anyone give my an estimate of how much that will cost?

How often should you update your computer software?computer virus

If you already have Windows XP (or Windows 2000) visit. http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com/ . This website is maintained by Microsoft and can determine which updates you need and install them. You will probably want to select the "Express" installation to get all of the "Critical" patches which fix security holes that the spyware and adware use to get into your computer. Also install Ad-Aware ( http://www.download.com/Ad-Aware-SE-Pers... ) and Spybot Search and Destroy ( http://www.download.com/Spybot-Search-De... These programs will help you get rid of any Spyware you may have on your computer and they are free!