Um...most updates are to improve the security & performance of your software. Many software companies provide free updates as flaws are found & a patch is created to fix the problem (which you may not even know you have) & new features are sometimes added so you can keep up with the internet using your current software, rather than you having to buy a whole new software package every 6 months.
Microsoft & Hewlitt Packard are 2 companies that I know send out update info often so your computer can function at maximum efficientcy using their software. To ignore ALL updates is to invite issues for your computer.