i have no software update selection

If you are running anything older than macOS Catalina, you have an unsupported operating system now that Monterey is out. An unsupported operating system will not receive any point, security, or Safari updates.

Apple supports the current operating system release (Monterey) and the two previous major upgrades (e.g. Catalina and Big Sur).

Software Update does not appear in System Preferences before macOS Mojave.

In previous macOS versions you must go to Apple menu > About This Mac > Software Update... or click App Store app > Updates.