Yesterday (Jan. 3, 2018), I installed an OS update (Ubuntu 16.04), using the Software Center. My system isn't working correctly now. When my mouse rolls over the Launch bar, it disappears, then any open window disappears, leaving me with only the desktop screensaver showing. I can't even shut the computer off using the settings button on the top.

I went into the Terminal and attempted to fix it using the following commands:

sudo apt-get dist-upgrade

sudo apt-get autoremove

But I'm still having the same problem.

I have reinstalled Ubuntu 16.04 and when I accepted the update on install had the same problem. I have reinstalled it a second time but have not done an OS update and everything seems to be working fine.

Found another user with the same problem: Ubuntu updates 1-4-2018

Is it possible that the Meltdown security update is at fault? I've read the update has been issued for 64-bit x86 architecture (https://insights.ubuntu.com/2018/01/04/ubuntu-updates-for-the-meltdown-spectre-vulnerabilities/); I'm running a 32 bit i386 architecture. Could that be an issue and is there a way to correct it?