computer crash when software updates

[tweev]

I've had problems with system crashes - it seems like my Dell 3400 isn't a huge kubuntu fan. Anyway, fairly often it seems when my computer crashes (just shuts down) that when I reboot I have a system notification saying I have security or software updates - I'm thinking that these events may be somehow linked.

Does any one have any ideas - if whether this is just correlation, or if not, have an idea how to solve this?

Thank you!

[sithlord48]

monitor the machines temp. it could be overheating. the correlation would be that the system was possibly under heavy load and got hot enuff to reach its thremal shutoff point. does the machine ever shut off while you are doing other things like watching videos on youtube or other flash content. i don't see anyother reason the machine should turn off while checking for updates.

[tweev]

Yeah it does, I thought it oculd be an overheating issue so I have the machine propped up to allow good airflow.

I think it may have something to do with the video card (I keep coming back to this). When it crashes, it repeatedly shuts down when I reboot unless I unplug the external monitor prior to boot up. If I keep the external monitor plugged in, it boots up then immediately shuts down. Very weird.