A few days ago I had a problem with my router cutting out and my internet being dropped as a result. As suggested by a helpful Boomer, I plugged the computer I use the most directly into the modem, thus solving the loss of internet problem. Now my new question is: How will my two computers that are not on line all the time receive automatic updates? When I plugged them in to modem, will they automatically update, or will I have to do this manually now?

You'll have to do it manually. Once the computer has access to the Internet, just run Windows Update from the Start menu. But you should get a new router if the one you're using isn't working correctly.

If you have the applications set to look for updates, those applications will go out and look for updates when you again hook up the computers to the internet.

If you haven't had the other computers unplugged from the internet too long, those applications which are set to look for updates may not have gone through the time cycle and may have to be updated manually. It all depends what time frame they have been set to.

Jenny100 and Homer6, I connected the other two computers to the internet today and they had updates for Windows waiting to be installed, also updated the anti-virus. I will probably get a router as soon as I can so they will be back online all the time. Thank you for your help and advice.

You're welcome kazzmo.