BleepingComputer.com: Upgradeing SP1 from WUD's

I am installing an OS for this Dell Dimension 2350 and have been able to get it up and running
to the tune of an SP1 installation, for some reason I believe I had a problem upgrading to SP2 using a disc, so I am anticipating useing windows updates etc.

2 things I'd like to ask of you, . . .

Is a firewall essential for connect to Windows Updates, cause I do not have any protection on this at all at this time
I can not find the windows security center, I am not sure that XP SP1 has it, . .

Also Can I pause in some way because I only have one lanline at this time so its a bit of a challenge, therefore I will be downloading off an on over a period of time.

Jove, on 11 February 2012 - 07:57 AM, said:

How do you connect to the Internet? With a modem, because you mention landline? Then it is critical that you use a firewall, because your Windows machine has a public IP address.
Tests have demonstrated that it takes just 5 minutes for an unpatched machine to become infected on the Internet when it is not protected by a firewall.

Jove, on 11 February 2012 - 07:57 AM, said:

You can use Firefox or a download manager for IE. They have a Pause button.

The firewall in SP1 is called Internet Connection Firewall:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/320855

It would ease your updating task considerably if you could source a copy of SP3 (which can be installed directly once SP1 is present, you don't need SP2 in between), maybe from a friend with bandwidth...

Subsequent updates will still be needed, but SP3 from a disc is a big jump ahead.

Thank you, . . Your replies are much appreciated, . .

I need a little time to get back into this,so I'll be back at earliest.

Best Regards,

Jove