Hi Gwen,
Brown needles can be from overwatering or underwatering.  They like well draining soil that is acidic 4.5 - 5.5.  Garden stores sell pH test kits.  You can take a soil sample and test it.  
Use (according to the package directions) an acidic fertilizer.  Adding peat moss and mixing it with the soil should increase the acidity slowly as it decomposes.
These plants do very well inside in a sunny window with no cold drafts.  They can go outside in our area during the late spring and summer months.  They do not tolerate temps under 35 degrees. Keep the soil moist but not soggy.  They do not like dry soil.
Indoors in a pot, they will grow around 3+ feet.  They are excellent indoor plants. 
However, you might want to check if the plant is rootbound.  Most of the soil is gone and there are a ball of roots in the pot. If you find that to be true, you should repot in a larger container, spreading the roots out so they do not continue to grow in a circle.    
I am adding a link on Norfolk Island Pines: 
https://www.thespruce.com/grow-norfolk-island-pine-indoors-1902627
If you have further questions, please re-contact us.

You are welcome.  Have fun with this beautiful plant.