MacBook update problem?

Hi i just bought a used MacBook from a friend i have been having a problem when trying to use the software update. it says in network diagnostics "network diagnostics was able to connect to the internet but not to the server "(not showing the server for privacy reasons)" This could be caused by problems with the server, or an internet problem between this computer and the server."

I pretty sure it has somthing to do with my friends job he works at thats why i did not supply the server name i just want to know how to change the setting to allow me to update my software from my home wifi thanks

I can connect to everything but the Internet explorer. I did a Network DIagnostics for Windows XP and I get this.

Windows cannot connect to the Internet using HTTP, HTTPS, or FTP. This is probably caused by firewall settings on this computer.

Check the firewall settings for the HTTP port (80), HTTPS port (443), and FTP port (21).

You might need to contact your Internet service provider (ISP) or the manufacturer of your firewall software.

Help me on how to get the Internet explorer working again. Thanks