Hard drives take the biggest beating in a computer. That is one of the things in your computer where it is better to leave the computer running, then turn it off. Everytime you power up the computer the hard drive has to get itself spinning up to speed before it can retrieve the information needed to actually start the operatiing system.
This process of getting up to speed is the hardest thing on the HD. I am not to sure about the updates causing the problem, as it doesnt have anything to do with the operation of the unit.
I am sooo glad you were able to get it up and running again. Life would be pretty hum drum without the internet and all the friends at NT
Im havin a big MAC attack!!!!