Installing updates hangs at /steam translation en during list collection phase

[newtusmaximus]

LL2.4 32 bit, std kernel on HPdc7700 desktop.  Been running 2.4  since update and previous versions LL.  Alll has been working well enough until recently.  Suddenly unable to complate install updates  During the update list phase at the beginning, always hangs at /steam translation en and then  grey box comes up saying could not get updates list.

Any ideas a) what has changed , and  b) how to get round problem - Use Terminal ??  Thanks

BTW various laptops on LL2.4 32 bit also hesitate at the same point of update but then recover and complete.