computer seems to be overheating so I've had to shut it down periodically . . .sigh
Computer over heating? Keep those hot peppers away from your computer. Hey, I'll be more than happy to help you eat them.
On a serious note. I have to assume your working off a desktop computer. When was the last time you cleaned in inside of your computer? Check all your fan vents on the outside and in back for dust and hair. Nine times out of ten that's what it is. I open up my case about every three months and go in with a can of "Clean air" and blow off the fans and the heat sink on my processor. I have cats and dogs, and you would be surprised how fast things build up. If your not comfortable doing it yourself perhaps you may know someone in the area that could do it for you. If not I'm sure a reputable computer repair shop would do it for you for a fairly cheap price. Really easy to do, can't see it costing a lot. If you're working off a laptop, I'd take it in. I don't open up laptops, not comfortable doing it. Hope your overheating issue is an easy fix. I can tell you from experience that it's not going to go away on it's own. Couple of us computer Geeks on the boards here, lets see what they have to say too. Could be other things, just pointing out the obvious one.