I have two vertical columns of pixels stuck on and it's annoying. They're yellow so they're missing their blue (?) component. Has anyone had such a problem?  Is there a fix other than taking it in or applying explosives?

Though it really shouldn't matter I'm on an Intel Imac which drives a second monitor; the second monitor does not have the artifact. This is a really sore spot in an otherwise enjoyable computing environment. Thanks in advance.

It's almost certainly a display hardware problem. To confirm this, temporarily change your main display resolution. You should find the lines stay in exactly the same place on the screen.

It is a last ditch effort, but you can massage them back into action. I did this with an older LCD that was stuck.

Sounds like a hardware problem of the display. Most probably a replacement candidate, if you don't have a good repair service around.

 They stay in the same place when I change the resolution. Looks like I'll have to get a shiny, robust, new computer. Darn ;)

Quote - Looks like I'll have to get a shiny, robust, new computer. Darn ;)

Not necessarily. Apple or an Apple-authorised service agent can replace the display.
Oops, shutupamamouth... You're right, you definitely have to get a shiny new Mac.

yeah, hardware. One thing - you're right about the 'new computer' but; the most expensive component (at least in the models I worked on) is the display screen. Sadly, it's often a 'career-ending' injury for an out-of-warranty laptop. If it's in warranty, it might be another story.

Definitely out of warranty. Maybe I'll make it a file server or something that doesn't require graphics as a "critical" function. 

 Try this: http://www.jscreenfix.com/basic.php. If it helps - ok - if not you have a hardware problem.

Time for a new screen.  If you have a monitor you can plug it into the laptop if the screen is the laptop.

Quote - I have two vertical columns of pixels stuck on and it's annoying. They're yellow so they're missing their blue (?) component. Has anyone had such a problem?  Is there a fix other than taking it in or applying explosives?

Though it really shouldn't matter I'm on an Intel Imac which drives a second monitor; the second monitor does not have the artifact. This is a really sore spot in an otherwise enjoyable computing environment. Thanks in advance.

You're suffering from a dreaded case of "dead pixels", where individual pixels simply cease to operate after a certain amount of time.  It's the bane of everything LCD and has been a problem ever since LCD displays have been on the market.  

Most manufacturers won't even bother to perform warranty service on a small number of dead pixels (less than six or so, that is0.  If the problem is more severe -like if whole rows of columns of pixels go out- then you might be able to get some luvin' on the warranty front. 

There are supposedly a couple of "home-brew" fixes out there on the web, but they aren't official nor are they even proven to work.  

Do a Google search for "dead pixels" for more information.  

 Thanks DD for the insight.

Thanks MP for the link. I have it running now but the situation hasn't improved so far (sigh).

Yeah, lloks like this comp will become a file server. Thanks for all your suggestions.

Actually the problem is not stuck screen pixels, but dead screen matrix drivers (since it's complete vertical columns of emitters that are missing, not individual emitters). A pixel massager wouldn't fix this in a month of Sundays.
Unfortunately the matrix driver electronics is almost certainly an integral part of the display module, and can't be replaced separately. In the UK, prices for 20inch screen modules are around £600, not including the fitting (not easy in an iMac).

Bad news (costly repair) or good news (excuse to buy a shiny new Mac)? Your choice! :O)

Repair or new? That's a tough one. The environmentally responsible thing would be to leave it be or repair the screen.

But the unit's already two years old - still quite viable in Mac years - but lacks some of the more recent "whiz bang" features. The 24" models (with a 24" Cinema Display, of course) at 1200 pixels seem primed for created HD content. Plus they're sooooo beautiful. 

As you can see, I really don't need much persuasion.

Getting a repair should be cheaper than new, esp if you have a warranty.