Strange Chinese characters on my screen (MacBook Air)

theacupuncturist Said:

"Strange Chinese characters on my screen (MacBook Air): No rhyme or reason, but occasionally I'll get strange Chinese characters that flash across my screen. They're usually colorful, red and green. Anyone else experiencing this? I'm new to Apple and never experienced this on PC"

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Where did you get this Mac?

If this is a used Mac, then it might be maliciously configured this way. So, consider performing the following...

Scan with Malwarebytes for Mac:

Start with running a scan for malware, using Malwarebytes for Mac and remove what is found. Perhaps something was installed that made this occur. Remove what is found from the quarantine. Malware is short for: Malicious Software, which makes you computer act in a mislead manor.

Downloads:

1. Malwarebytes Anti-Malware for Mac
2. Malwarebytes Uninstaller

Still the error?:

Reinstall the macOS Anew:

See if this Site Helps: How to Reinstall the macOS Anew - No TMB Prior to Upgrade - User Tip. Format the hard drive with the applicable macOS, on step D.

In Depth:

Pretty much, it is a matter of:

1. Erasing: and formatting your hard drive to APFS
2. Installing: [the applicable macOS] via a USB Bootable Installer
3. Restoring: info from a Time Machine Backup, using Migration Assistant

theacupuncturist Said:

"Strange Chinese characters on my screen (MacBook Air): Thanks. I downloaded Malwarebytes. it didn’t find anything. But I can take it to GeekSquad and tell them what I’m experiencing. A friend works there, so I’d much rather have him do the whole reinstall thing. Thanks again for your quick response!! You’re the best!”

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You are welcome. And thank you for that complement.

Be certain to show this thread’s URL to your friend, so they can read this for themselves: https://discussions.apple.com/thread/253613399

Great job troubleshooting, on your part!