Q: several vertical lines of color (broken pixels) appearing on my flat screen/desktop computer, can these be eliminated or repaired?

Howdy GrammaLinda,

It sounds like you are getting some colored lines running up and down on your iMac. I would suggest using these steps from the following article to help resolve the issue, named:

Apple computers: Troubleshooting issues with video on internal or external displays

http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1573

Reset the system

You can reset the Mac's parameter RAM and SMC.

Reset the resolution

Start by resetting the Mac's parameter RAM. If the display does not come up, was previously set to an unsupported resolution, and still results in no video:

1. Start up in Safe Mode.
2. From the Apple () menu, choose System Preferences.
3. Choose Displays from the View menu to open the preferences pane.
4. Select any resolution and refresh rate that your display supports.
5. Restart your computer.

Thank you for using Apple Support Communities.

Cheers,

Sterling