Mint problems

[Total Noob]

I have a recent version of Linux Mint loaded as a backup to Windows on my work desktop computer, a Compaq Presario AY030AAR with an Athlon 2 chip and enough RAM to run Win7.

Long and short, I periodically crash and get what I will describe as a flashout -- random lines that fill the screen with no prior warning -- and it has the effect but is really worse than the BSOD because at least that gives an error message. Have to shut down manually after that.

Same computer, no problems like that on the Windows side. I did have what I think is a hardware failure that killed my ethernet card, but no total crashes.

Does Mint require more power to work? It meets the minimum req's as posted on Distrowatch or I would not have installed it. The only other thing I can think of is that I use a flat screen 37 inch tv instead of a monitor. Could that be an issue?

Thanks.

[renegade600]

which mint do you have? kde, gnome, or cinnamon? sounds like you need to install different video drivers. I had the same problem with older computers. have to install restricted drivers or it could be called additional drivers. should be in your settings. without knowing what version of linux mint, cannot tell you the exact steps.

[Total Noob]

Originally Posted by renegade600

which mint do you have? kde, gnome, or cinnamon? ...should be in your settings

Mint is 17.3. cinnamon interface.

The display setting shows the correct monitor, so if there is a "plug and play" error with the driver, it is specific to "play."