Are you sure this is not the computer going into snooze mode? If you fail to move the mouse for a given (user definable) amount of time the computer snoozes to conserve energy. Note the coloured LED on or around the power button on the monitor. Now does it change colour when the screen goes dark? This indicates snoozing but if there is no change then it might be something different. Make and model? Windows version?

I'm pretty sure that container ships crossing the Pacific in winter aren't heated but I'd be inclined to think that your monitor will be happier at temperatures where you are comfortable. Say 40ð to 100ðF.

If it has the same type of connector on its cord that hooks to your computer... it'll work. There's two real popular connectors, one being digital, one the old standard CRT VGA connector which is on most monitors. There's also a few other types but they are not real popular but you gotta look at it. Most Thrift shops, I would think, would likely take it back if it doesnt work for ya.

The main difference (originally) between "television" and "monitor" is a television has a built-in tuner to select broadcast and/or cable channels from a coaxial cable, and a monitor does not. A monitor simply accepts a video signal (composite, S-video, component) and displays it. Channel selection must be done via an external device such as a satellite tuner or a VCR. My 4-year-old Panasonic plasma panel would be considered a monitor. It does not have a coaxial input or a tuner. I selected channels (when I had cable) by using my VCR as a tuner. However, nowadays most all consumer-level display devices / televisions / monitors DO have a built-in tuner, so "television" vs. "monitor" may simply be a marketing term. Just make sure whatever units you are considering have a built-in tuner and can take whatever kind of wire or cable connection you have, and make your choice on which one fits your budget, has the features you want, best picture quality, etc.