No Signal...

On a peaceful Sunday afternoon, I walked to over to my desk in the living room. I sat my warm tea down on a coaster and pulled my soft robe in tighter around me. Every Sunday afternoon, I would log onto my computer and read the comics. Though I did receive the Sunday edition of The Houston Chronicle, it sat in the driveway. Somehow, reading the comics online made me feel more savvy and in tune with the technology world. I bent down under the pine desk and felt for the PC's power button. With a robot wine (I had previously came to the conclusion that if robots could wine, they would sound like my computer starting up), the computer turned on and I settled into my leather chair and looked anxiously at the monitor. The monitor anxiously stared back. Giving it no thought, I pushed the amber power button and waited for it to turn green. No go. As if playing some sadistic game, the monitor gave a colorful splash and then ended the show with the message "no signal." Somehow, the monitor managed to sound so bold with those two unpleasant words and I grimaced at it annoyingly. After about 20 minutes of this game, I walked out of the front door and into the driveway to pick up the neglected Sunday paper. I did not find any of the comics amusing.

If you have ever been in a similar situation, I'm sure you have learned that no matter how many times you may turn your computer on and off, and on and off, the monitor will just not work. If you have an older computer, even with new programming, it may be time to go ahead and upgrade your hardware. The hardware component that is the culprit for this problem is the video card. The video card in a computer is responsible for receiving video data and turning it into a special code that a monitor can read. When the video card is worn, the data is not transferred properly and the monitor translates this as having "no signal". Replacing a video card is fairly easy and far less expensive than buying a new computer all together.

If you take your computer to a specialty store such as Fry's, they will be able to replace the card and suggest a new one, at a price of course. If you are not familiar with computers, I would highly recommend you getting professional help. If you prefer to do it yourself, there are many online resources available as well as books, and CD's. Check the web or your local library. Your computer may also have a special hotline you can call for assistance, and if its under warranty, you may be able to get the card replaced for free.

Video card prices usually range from about $40 for a standard card, to $550+ for a specialty card. Cards for personal computers are considered standard. If you are able to remove your card, you can take it into the store and get a recommendation for a new card. Some stores will even buy back the old card and give you a discount for your new hardware. There are a variety of cards to choose from, but the one you choose should reflect your daily use of your computer. I would not suggest buying a specialty card for a computer that is mainly used for homework.

A "no signal" message is not the end of the world, unless you are hooked up to a cardiograph.