The biggest challenge in keeping a home computer patched — even if you are computer security specialist — is knowing what needs to be patched on your computer. I am not just talking about Windows patches — I am also talking about Java, Flash, and Acrobat, and FireFox, and WinAmp. The best tool for this is free: Secunia PSI. I have been using it on my home computers for over a year, and am very happy with the results. I put it on the computers of my family members, too. When it detects a problem, they call me and it is easy to determine and fix the problems.
PSI has a simple and advanced interface. The simple interface has a one-fix button that lets you download the patches or updates you need. The biggest growth in malware is in these non-Windows vulnerabilities. Download PSI. You may be surprised about the problems your patched computer has. I was.