Monitor's light doesn't come on right away

OS: Win2k
PC: Desktop
Monitor brand: TERAMAS

I bought my PC together with a 17" inch monitor 4 years ago but since last month whenever I turn on the machine the screen is at least 90% black with a fainted light. It takes between 10 - 20 minutes for the screen to light up, sometimes it refuses to come on at all.
I am no technician but I open it up and what did I see? The tube is only a big piece. I thought I could replace a light bulb but that wasn't the case. I need to know if anyone can diagnose the problem.
Is it possible that a replacement of that monitor is in order? If needs to be replaced which monior on the market has a very low level of radiation or none at all? I cannot afford a flat screen at this time.
Thank you

 

Hi,

It reads like you need to be ready to have a funeral for your monitor. The big tube is the CRT (cathode ray tube) exactly the same as in a TV. You may well have seen a TV where the picture is not very bright and lacks contrast even when the brightness and contrast controls are turned to the maximum. Same thing here. Most monitors have two brightness controls, one external and one internal. The internal one is to keep people from turning the external brightness control up so much that the phosphors (the stuff on the inside of face of the CRT that glows and creates the image) are damaged. If you want to carefully poke around(high voltage there, won't kill you but will get your attention) inside the monitor near the rear, you may find several controls with screwdriver slots that could be labled brightness, width, etc. You could try turning up the internal brightness control some and see if that helps. The good news about not being able to afford a flat screen display is that they are now the FAVORITE for thieves. They don't want to bother any longer with a big, heavy, old fashioned monitor that only brings a couple of dollars at the pawn or on the street.

 

Thank you woody_roberts for your advice. I agree with you that the monitor should be retired. The reason I'd like to get a flat screen is because they don't affect the eyes as a monitor does.
I am learning programming and spend a great deal of time in front of the monitor, I'd to find one with a very low low low radiation level or none at all. Do you know any particular brand?

thanks