Re: Slow checking for updates...
I noticed that as well, Windows 7 VM was "checking for updates" for a couple of hours before I turned it off as not needed.
I used to dual-boot Windows and Ubuntu, but now its Ubuntu with a couple of Windows VMs for stuff that needs it. Much more flexible and works fine with most things, though not much good for games that need top graphics performance or any special hardware that needs hardware drivers for PCI connections (OK for USB, etc).
Biting the hand that feeds IT
