Yet ANOTHER problem with an Apple Macbook that needs fixing?

So, I go to play runescape, browser based mmorpg. Apple locks up. Have to force shut down three times in less than half an hour. Needless to say it pisses me off. Then I notice at one point that spotlight says it's indexing (whatever the hell that is). I then installed the latest versions of itunes, apple os X and something else on the system update. Anytime I click on anything now, finder, spotlight, anything in the dock, I get beachball of doom. Spotlight went from estimated waiting time (for index) of 3 minutes to over 3 hours. It obviously isn't doing jack diddly squat. I tried to get into preferences, but the mac locks up. Is there anything I can do short of throwing this waste of money at Steve Jobs feet? Any advice is appreciated