Help Needed After Mac Software Update

I am experiencing the following problems:

(1) Slow startup/restart/shutdown (often stuck on the grey screen).

(2) Word, Excel, Google Chrome all opening upon starting computer (obviously adding to the slow start up times).

Any help is appreciated. I should mention I am NOT tech savvy!

What Mac software update are you referring to?

Make sure you're completely shutting down all apps before turning off your Mac. Remember, that just closing some apps does not shut them down... you have to click on the red x in the upper left corner of your screen to shut the app down or press command plus Q.

When you shut down if you see a dialog that asks if you wish to restore windows when starting up, make sure you do not check that box.