Is there a way to update parallels without using automatic updates?
If you want to download updated version on one computer and use it on other machines, download and install the latest Parallels Desktop 7 update: 


Download the update from http://www.parallels.com/products/desktop/download/dr/
Run the downloaded file and re-install Parallels Desktop. Note: only Parallels Desktop application will be reinstalled, no Virtual Machines will be affected.