every time i try to download any updates, a window will show a n error

Which distribution are you using? Several different distributions present a nice, warm-'n-fuzzy GUI for updating packages.

Inevitable questions: which linux distribution are you running on? Which application are you using to update? Which is the exact error message?

Welcome to Linux! It can be frustrating at first as it is different, but be patient and all will be well in the end. As mentioned we need help in order to help you.

If you came from a Windows background you don't have choice, one vendor, a couple of products and the same look and feel to each that is all made to work on equipment stamped as being Windows compatible. In Linux there are hundreds of distributions or distros, many version of each of those, different architectures that they can run on, different hardware for each user and if that isn't enough you can run any one of dozens of desktops on each distro. The variety can be mind boggling or exciting depending on how you view such things.

This is why people are asking you what you have and what you are using because they likely aren't using the same thing. Therefore, it is good to tell us what you are using, what you did, the result and for you to be specific as possible. Exact error messages are nice.

Don't let this throw you off. Stick with it as the reward is great.

chances are you need to enter the root password somwhere to download updates,

if you are running a command from the command line try using su or sudo first then entering either root's password or yur password respectivly

if you are using a gui it should prompt you for the password