Windows XP Home edition - updates, etc?

I am going to help a friend who has had multiple issues with her system.
Now XP has been reloaded by BB I think. I was going to check it out for her, and install some util apps. Does anyone have any particular advice about specific updates, or things to check for?
Thanks very much for any advice.

 

Before you connect to the internet, download security apps to your computer to install on your friend's even before the computer tries to get on the internet or it might become infected quickly, as in under a minute.
The XP firewall isn't the best but it is okay as a start.
Get an antivirus. One of the freebies: AntiVir, Avast or AVG.
For the best, IMHO, all around malware detector/system cleaner-upper, it has to be malwarebytes (free and paid version). If the computer had problems because of infections, viruses and other nasties, talk your friend into buying the paid version with auto updating and constant monitoring.

 

Would say malwarebytes would be your first choice for antivirus and spyware too? I think maybe I better try it too myself.
Thanks very much.

 

SuperAntiSpyware is a very good complimentary program to run along with MBAM.Nice 1-2 punch.
I also like SpywareBlaster.

 

Of course go to Microsoft and download all the updates.., install (AVG8.5) and update. Then its up to you, but I use Windows defender, Spybot, Malwarebytes free and AVG free.
Because you are on a Microsoft server, I think you would be safe without a AV program.

 

Thanks everyone. I appreciate all the good input.

 

I always use an av program along with malwarebytes. Malwarebytes is the first program I run on an infected computed. It is my top choice for a malware detector.