Is there a way to identify unneeded microsoft updates?

Hi. I am working with only 51% memory. I have long wanted to find a way to weed out the unnecessary microsoft updates, but I am just a self taught layperson and don't understand them. When I try to delete some, I get messages that other updates won't work if the ones I choose are deleted. I wish Microsoft would finish writing a program before selling it. To me, all these updates and patches shouldn't be necessary. Microsoft's updates take more of my space than most other things. Is there some way I can learn which updates are really necessary? I don't even get updates anymore; I have problems downloading them, and I just don't have the space. Sheena

 

Thanks, Halo.
I have a wonderful utility program that was reasonable in cost. I went to it to answer your questions about my computer's memory. My defrag program gives me a very different idea of what memory I have, 51%, from what the utility program gives, so I will write here how the utility breaks it down, and maybe that will be better, and you could explain it to me alittle, too. Here goes: total physical memory-512mb
total windows memory- 1759mb
free- 1373 mb
used 386 mb
selection 32mb
I wish I knew what this all means. Is it good, or bad? Thanks for any aid.
Sheena:confused

 

Halo, I hate microsoft's website. I go round and round on it like someone going in circles in the desert, and never get anywhere. But hidden somewhere on there isn't there some guide to what updates are needed for one's situation;, for example, I don't do pictures or songs because my computer is too slow.
Also, I frequently run the antibug/virus programs; defrag daily, empy temp and prefetch every time I'm off net, and keep programs loading at start to a minimum. Don't use Java and the other thing you mentioned. Delete cookies, history, etc. Any other things I can do to keep my old guy running smooth?
sheena