I installed the Lexmark 5150 on my computer, the only time it works is when I use my word processor

You may download the driver from here.

Download and follow instructions from lexmark web site: http://support.lexmark.com/index?segment=SUPPORT&userlocale=EN_UK&locale=en&productCode=LEXMARK_X5150&page=product&frompage=null#1

Good luck

pls. vote so I may continue sharing

Yes, the computer case fan, and the Power Supply fan should run constantly.

If this is in reference to a Dimension 5150, there is one computer case fan in the front. This fan pushes air through a plastic tuned port, (Shroud), onto the Heatsink, which sits on top of the Processor.

http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/dim5150/en/sm/index.htm

The above link is to Dell Support, and the Service Manual for the Dimension 5150.
Technical Overview shows the inside of the computer.

Processor's have a thermal limit. Once they exceed this thermal limit, or temperature, the Processor turns off. (BIOS turns it off)
This is a Fail safe feature built-in to keep the Processor from burning up.

Desktop computer fans run all the time, unlike laptops.
However the fans should not run at full speed all the time.

If your desktop computer fan sounds like a 'jet engine' constantly, there may be internal hardware problems, for one.

1) It may be that the thermal paste has dried up.

The top of a Processor's case, and the bottom of a Heatsink are not perfectly smooth.
There are 'Pits, Hills, and Valleys'.

The above mentioned imperfections cause a void. This void is an air pocket.
Air is an Insulator, not a Conductor.

Thermal paste fills these voids, and is an excellent conductor of heat. Transfers the heat from the top of the Processor's case, to the bottom of the Heatsink.

Example of a typical Heatsink/Fan combo,

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3451342&CatId=493

The Heatsink is the finned aluminum looking object under the fan.
(The Dimension 5150 does not use this kind of Heatsink/Fan setup. I included the link to show a typical Heatsink. The front computer case fan, pushes air through a plastic shroud which encases the Heatsink, in a Dimension 5150)

Solution is to Thoroughly clean the top of the Processor's case, and the bottom of the Heatsink, and correctly apply fresh, new thermal paste. (Average cost of thermal paste for this application is $6)

[NOTE*
Observe Anti-Static Precautions!]

2) If the inside of the computer is dirty, as well as the inside of the Power Supply, this will also cause the cooling fan/s to race at high speed.

Solution is to use a can, or two of compressed air for computers, and clean the inside of the computer, (Especially the fins on the Heatsink), and the inside of the Power Supply.

[Again, observe Anti-Static Precautions]

To install the printer software, I recommend you use the driver from the Lexmark website. Just click on this link: http://bit.ly/curEed. Click on the drop-downs found below the page to choose the operating system of your computer. Download, execute the file and follow the instructions in the software. Thank you for choosing Lexmark.

Yes - Computer need driver software for printer to print

Download Software drivers by click on the Lexmark x5150

Lexmark X5150

Good morning! Yes, you can upgrade the processor of your computer but it will depend on the compatibility & support criteria of your computer motherboard, I suggest to check/review the product/operations manual of your computer motherboard which will inform us the details of specification requirements of processor that your computer motherboard will support & compatible with. Installation of processor is easy but with caution just follow the steps procedures written on its enclosed product manual, then make sure to install it with a good CPU FAN that will control its heat temperature. best regards.

You can download the latest driver from lexmark.com .

You can go to www.lexmark.com and then click on the downloads link then look for your model number

I too have a Lexmark 5150 so here's what I did btw I am using Fedora 6 and I have installed cups and using the frontend interface localhost:631

1 : Download the Z55 Driver for Linux from the Lexmark Website
2 : Create the following directory temp_lex
3 : tar -xvf CJLZ55LE-CUPS-1.0-1.tar.gz
4 : tail -n +143 lexmarkz55-CUPS-1.0-1.gz.sh | gzip -cd | tar xvf - -C temp_lex
5 : cd temp_lex
6 : rpm -Uvh z55llpddk-2.0-2.i386.rpm lexmarkz55-CUPS-1.0-1.i386.rpm
7 : Install your Lexmark 5150 and from the driver list you should see a driver for a Z55.

Works very well for me...
hope you too,, regards

www.lexmark.com