Windows 7 Updates and Malware enquiry

Hi all, until today I have had MASSIVE issues with my computer taking an enormous amount of time to do anything. eg, opening a word doc was taking up to two minutes. It has been like this for a long time and I suspected malware since my installing chrome a few months ago.
Today however two things happened and it is back to normal!! One, I allowed Java to update or reinstall or something. Two, when the system re-started, it installed OVER 22,000 updates!!!
Guys I was so close to buying a Mac as my son and wife run them and haven't had an issue for years - they are always giving me grief.
I'm wondering how I can explain my computers new found, sensible performance and ALSO how do I keep it this way in the future??
I use an android tab and went to a Samsung note 3 away from iphone due to screen size, but the major hassles ive had with my system have really led me to wonder whether it isn't easier just to go a mac and do my work day in day out without the seemingly endless input required to keep things steady using the windows platform.
are apple better at managing this stuff?? have Microsoft finally got this under control?? as a layman I don't mind the odd investigation on how to fix something minor but I don't want to have to become an expert. PLEASE give me some advice on the above. anything would be greatfuly appreciated. thank you!!!

cheers thanks for that I will get started

seriously, was quoting over 22,000 updates... eg. 536 of 22,368 updates. it wizzed through them very quickly, in less than a minute and THEN worked fine like it hadn't for ages - hence my questions
I noticed also that the 'scramble type' stuff that flashed across the screen during mentioned windows registry a lot..
dunno, this is over my head but I do want to get better informed.
thanks for all the help

thanks bear, I don't but i'll go searching for it. cheers