Is it the OS or the laptop?

[JH Beers]

You can change the settings for automatic updates to have it download them, but not install them until you're ready to shut down/restart the computer.

[Raven]

go into the scheduled tasks and see "when" things are set to happen

[Finaddict]

thanks to all for you replies.

As for the battery, I always have it plugged in, so that shouldn't be an issue, should it?

Kevin, the Mac is far off ... remember the key phrase is "when I get the money" ... so I will definitely be calling you at random hours asking why the thing isn't turning on ...

And I will check into those other updates - thanks guys.