vista updates, how important?

[quarantine]

I would like to know how important is it to download Windows vista updates?
My computer is running fine now, and I am constantly worried that downloading and installing an update might mess something up, like the video card, or a program.

I know updates are classified into 3, important, recommended, and optional.
What are these updates? All I see is a bunch of numbers.

The last update I installed was service pack 1. after that I switched auto update off.

[bimmergirl84]

The updates are pretty important. You're getting codes that closes up patches in the system that prevents hackers from getting through making it more secure.

[E(@M#]

certain updates are more important than others....i rarely take the updates...but i will browse the list

[quarantine]

thanks for the info,
I ended up downloading the important updates only.