I have reset a windows 8 - 64 bit laptop

during installing the updates I am presented with lots of updates for

Microsoft NET Framework on windows 8 and windows server for x64 based systems

Do I actually need these updates?

Nomad

Yes you do
Its normal after a reinstall to be faced with about 4hrs of updates.

They help security and make things gel better. (They say)

Thank you Mark.

It was just the wording of it , ie framework and server

Nomad

Most computers can be Servers.

If you run skype on you pc your a client and a server all in one

Hope that helps

thankyou