fellas, thanks so much for the welcome back

I've still been lurking but have lost heart in posting anything.. you'll see why by clicking the link below.
now if anyone who knows anything about computers could explain my little problem to me (which is the main reason for me not posting in the forum - I can't keep up with anything and it's pretty disheartening

)
this is for your viewing pleasure, over 4, yep
FOUR unadulterated minutes of staring at my monitor... enjoy!
not exactly oscar winning stuff, I know! I'm hoping it's something completely daft, but as of yet, no-one has
been able to help me with my problem

Oh, I replaced the kettle lead in case it was that.. but it's not.
That would drive me nuts.
My guess... Your video adapter is overheating. Make sure your air vents are all unobstructed.
uhm... firstly, I'm technically retarded and don't know what a video adapter is

I uhm.. didn't even know my monitor had air vents either, till just now - I'm amazed, cos they're only tiny slits!! So I've blown on 'em - hope that works.
secondly, it drives me completely nuts.. it's almost had me in tears of frustration and I've punched the damn thing twice (not the screen obviously) which achieved nothin' but just hurt my hand

)
I'm hoping I don't have to buy a new one as I really don't have the money right now, what with christmas and the fact I have a new cooker coming (Yay!!) my purse-strings are a little stretched to say the least

if that is the case, however, it's gonna take me about 3 months till I can get a new one.
bummer!!
Sorry I missed your return, but Welcome back!!! I missed you.
I thought it could also be the video card or the cables connecting the monitor. Though, after a closer look, when the monitor goes black, the power button shuts off. I'm guessing this is due to a couple of things. 1. The power supply in the monitor is going bad. 2. The power cable is going bad. 3. The outlet that it's plugged into is going bad.
MagmaBabe, try plugging your monitor into a different power jack in the wall or a different surge protector. If that doesn't work, try to borrow a monitor from someone and hook it up to see if it also has the same problem. If it doesn't, I'm guessing you'll need a new monitor. I'm not sure the price to repair it would be worth it since monitors are getting much cheaper.
it is not your monitor that would have air vents, it is your actual CPU box.
Sometimes dust really accumulates in the intake / exhaust vents for the fan making cooling near impossible. Many modern video adapters (the part of your computer that broadcasts images to your monitor via your monitor cable) require sufficient cooling and if they dont get it they will act as yours does... turn off untill it cools down enough then back on (heats up) repeat.
Another thing to try is to turn off "Powersaving" (the setting that makes your monitor turn off when not in use for a certain period of time) in your monitor settings on your control panel.
there are other more complex solutions but with your video switching off and on like that it could take months.
Ooh, I didn't even think about the power saving options! Try that first Babe.
I just checked the power saving thing and it'is already turned off, so it's not that.
It's either a fault with the monitor (which is what I think it is.. somehow, I've knackered it out) or the supply to the monitor. I replaced the cord so I can't see how it could be that.
Then there's the terminal... that seems just fine - everything else works perfectly in it
I was hoping I wouldn't have to, but I think a new monitor is the only way to go, guess I was just clutching at
straws.
Thanks Marz and Mr T, you've been a wealth of information
Yeah, I was wonder WTF happen to youz.
Anyway, cheers to my one & only Transatlantic Saucy Wench!
MagmaBabe,during your absence I thought a few our of Sly bros were going into a deep depression from the lack of your presence here
Bummer there...
miss you 'round this place!