Q: How do I update?

I just got a new MacBook. I get messages saying updates are available, but then I get stuck.

Updates are downloaded and installed in the Mac App Store

Go to the Purchases tab, then click the update button for each app you want to update.

look at the webpage:     Mac App Store

What is "keynote"?

Keynote is a screen based presentation application, similar to PowerPoint from Microsoft.

look at the webpage:     Keynote

What is "Numbers"?

Numbers is a spread sheet application, similar to Excel from Microsoft.

look at the webpage:     Numbers

What is "pages"?

Its a text creation and page layout application, similar to Word from Microsoft.

look at the webpage:     Pages

Do I have to pay for updates?

Updates from the Mac App Store are always free.

look at the webpage:     Mac App Store

If I want to update, how do I avoid all this itunes nonsense?

You will need to explain what you mean by this, what is it you want to avoid and why do you think iTunes is a nonsense?

iTunes is the built in media player on Mac OS X. It allows purchasing, downloading and playing content;  music, films and TV shows.

iTunes can be updated like any other Mac Application.

look at the webpage:     iTunes