That's the way things work for software and OS updates. That's
the responsibilities computers owners have to take if they need the
computer to perform work for them and provide the leisure and
entertainment.
From OS to software to security programmes, updates are inevitable.
Crackers, criminals and even businessmen throw out thousands of
worms and malware and junk to the internet everyday. Hardware
capabilities improves and software made them think made them work,
better than before. Manufacturers are trying to comply with
standards so that everything when put together works. When they
don't, updates and improvements has to be written and given to the
consumer so that the products and services paid by them still
function.
When the updates piled up a new package shall be released. When
they become obsolete a new version rolls in. That's why we have
different windows versions of Windows, different versions of
norton, different versions of IE.
Are you using XP with service pack 2? If you are able to update
your computer up to that stage without going online it won't take
up much of your time and money if you have unlimited broadband
access. When you are connected to automatic updates you can opt for
'custom' settings and chose the 'critical' security updates to
download and install first. Some of them may require a reboot so
just have patience.