When I go to settings>general, there is no prompt for "software update". How do I update my iPad?

If your iDevice is using a version of iOS lower than 5, you will need to use iTunes on your syncing computer to perform the upgrade. Use the Apple link below as a guide for the upgrade.

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4972

Also read the instructions from the section entitled "Update your device using iTunes" at the link below.

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4623

Information regarding transferring purchases from your iDevice to iTunes on your syncing computer can be found at the link below.

http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1848

If you have the original pad, there is no update for you. If you have amore recent pad, the link should be there. In settings/general , click on about and see what version you are running. should be 7.1