What makes the screen jump?

My screen jumps occasionally. It doesn't matter if I am online or offline and it is intermittent.

On top off all my other problems with this Compaq, I don't need a jumpin screen.

 

I don't know for sure what your problem is but my first thought when I see this is interference from some sort of wireless device or an electrical appliance of some sort. An example would be a cellphone or maybe a wireless phone. If I place my cellphone within three feet of the monitor it causes the screen to jump or flicker occasionaly. It drove me nuts trying to figure out what was causing it. Then one day the cellphone happened to ring and things really went nuts. The light (what little there is) went on in my head and I moved the cellphone. Never had a problem since unless I'm not thinking and happen to lay the phone down on my desk. This may not be your problem but I thought I'd mention it just in case.

 

This might need to be in the hardware thread.

If by "jump" you mean it seems to blink out or get smaller then bigger, it might be as simple as poor power (try another power cable to the monitor). It might be as complicated as an internal problem with the monitor. Poor power can come from many things, like a bad cable, or overloaded circuits, or a device on the local grid (edit:meaning your house) which draws a lot of current intermittently (refrigerator, air conditioner, electric water heater, etc.)

Doe the monitor make any sounds when this happens? (popping or clicking).

Please do not open up a monitor to try and fix it. Monitors, like tube televisions, have high-voltage components which can case death.

Is the monitor under warrantee? Make a claim if the power cord replacement trick doesn't fix it.

Other things to consider - video card not seated properly, video cable.

 

By jumping, I mean the screen acts like I am scrolling up and down the page on its own.

Thanks for the hints. And yes I do have a few electrical items close by. I will check my wiring and the video card too.

Thanks a bunch.

 

If it occurs at regular intervals, it maybe a screensaver that you installed ?
regards