Display on iMac freaking out

My wifes iMac (Intel 2.66 GHz/1 G Ram/ 20" display)has recently began to freak out with numerous blank blocks on the screen (up to 12) opening up when switching applications. It doesn't happen when working in an app, only switching between apps. The blocks can not be closed on the screen, they are frozen. You must shut the computer down and reboot to continue working. Sort of like Expose going nuts. Has anyone run into this situation? Any advise?

Unless this happens only when playing a video, you'll probably want to ask this question in either the iMac or Mac OS X forums since it's probably not a QuickTime problem per se.
Regards.

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