This plugin lets you update your wordpress installation from the Admin console, so far it's been very stable and it's at the top of my list of recommended plugins
http://greatwebguy.com/blogging/plug-ins/instant-upgrade-my-new-favorite-wordpress-plugin/
A list of wordpress plug-ins that I've tried here and there and my honest opinion about each of them.
http://greatwebguy.com/blogging/plug-ins/wordpress-plug-ins-are-evil/
