Any updates wont get installed due to "open" things

Hey,

I try to install MS Office update 14.0.2 or something and the I Tunes update, but everytime I attempt to install something, it says there's a program running. I X out of I tunes before the update but it still says its running and I can't update any further and am forced to abort.

Same with MS office update. It says Safari is running and I X out of Safari, but then it says its still running and won't update any further and wont let me quit the installer which forces me to Cold shut the computer.

Anyone know what the deal is here?

Maybe you're not exiting Safari or the other programs properly. Next time you exit Safari be sure to shut it down from the dock or do a Command Q.
OS X is not like Windows. You can't completely close down most apps by just closing its window. Same thing with any other app that might be open. MS Office will not install updates even if its own updater is running.