How do I lock off to keep updated from being loaded? In years of using computers never once has an update helped, but gas often locked up or in one case trashed a MacBook.

Hello and welcome to Apple Support Communities, Duanen76!

I understand you don't want your MacBook Pro to update automatically. I'd be happy to provide information to help you set this up.

Use the steps here: How to update the software on your Mac

"How to get updates for macOS Mojave or later

If you've upgraded to macOS Mojave or later, follow these steps to keep it up to date: 

1. Choose System Preferences from the Apple menu , then click Software Update to check for updates.
2. If any updates are available, click the Update Now button to install them. Or click ”More info” to see details about each update and select specific updates to install.
3. 
4. When Software Update says that your Mac is up to date, the installed version of macOS and all of its apps are also up to date. That includes Safari, iTunes, Books, Messages, Mail, Calendar, Photos, and FaceTime.

To find updates for iMovie, Garageband, Pages, Numbers, Keynote, and other apps that were downloaded separately from the App Store, open the App Store on your Mac, then click the Updates tab.

To automatically install macOS updates in the future, including apps that were downloaded separately from the App Store, select ”Automatically keep my Mac up to date.” Your Mac will notify you when updates require it to restart, so you can always choose to install those later."

Make sure that "automatically keep my Mac up to date" is unchecked.

Have a great day!