the latest mac OS Sierra (Jan) security update causes my computer to shutdown, how do i stop it from trying to install

1)

Do you have an Kernel Panics as a result of these shutdowns?

If you do, please post a few

Kernel Panic reports: Finder -> Go -> Go to Folder -> /Library/Logs/DiagnosticReports

<http://support.apple.com/kb/ht2546>

<http://support.apple.com/en-us/HT200553>

The panic report should have "panic" in the file name.

2)

Try booting into Safe mode. Do the shutdowns stop happening?

<http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1564>

This will not load any 3rd party additions, it will load some more conservative Apple drivers (may cause screen flicker), and it will clear some kernel caches (a cache is saved data in a form that can speed up a program, but is totally redundant to the original source, and thus can be safely cleared). Booting into Safe mode is just an experiment, but can often times eliminate any 3rd party interference, or a cached item out-of-sync with the world. (Verify Safe mode via Applications -> Utilities -> System Information -> Software -> Boot Mode -> Safe vs Normal)

3)

You should also try an SMC reset and an NVRAM reset

<Reset the System Management Controller (SMC) on your Mac - Apple Support>

<How to reset NVRAM on your Mac - Apple Support>

4)

Please post the EtreCheck output as a "Reply" to this thread

<https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-6174> or <https://etrecheck.com>

Use the EtreCheck -> Edit -> Copy Report (See the image below)

And then Paste the report as a "Reply" to this thread.

If, AND ONLY IF, you get the error:

"The message contains invalid characters"

then try posting to PasteBin.com, and give us a PasteBin URL link.

<http://pastebin.com/>

.

EtreCheck is a tool that helps Apple Support Community volunteers debug problems without any access to the troubled computers. Debugging problems can be a difficult task even when the machine is in front of you. Attempting it via a discussion forum is extremely difficult. EtreCheck is a great help that regards.

Hi fredfromsurrey,
Thanks for using the Apple Support Communities. If you are having kernel-related shutdown issues after a recent update, you may find the information and troubleshooting steps outlined in the following article helpful:
If your Mac spontaneously restarts or displays a message that it restarted or shut down because of a problem - Apple Support
Regards.