Apparently, when a message pops up on your computer that says 'updates are ready for your computer, click here to install these updates' it is a good idea to do so! Got my computer back, all nice and cleaned up from the virus that apparently eventually disabled my computer from updating - and did a bunch of other nasty stuff.
This picture pretty much shows how I felt about the whole deal:
So, I've relaxed a bit on my 'I don't make new year's resolutions' position and resolved to update my computer when it asks. Grin and bear it.