can the ipad charger be used to download software updates via a laptop running Windows?

My Mum's ipad 2 is unable to connect to her bigpond wifi. The wifi button is grey and won't allow you to turn it on. I am thinking it is because she needs to get the latest Apple software updates and as she does not have an internet connection to do it via itunes by using the charger cable into her laptop as her internet on her laptop (which is running Windows) is working via the Bigpond modem but is now no longer connecting with her iPad. Can you advise please as my Mum is 91 years old and she lives in Brisbane and I live in Sydney.