I have an IBM R31 Laptop. Right now I am just typing, so there is no strain on the processor. It feels relatively cool right now. I downloaded Everest Ultimate Edition trial, and it says my CPU temp is 79C. Is that way too hot for a laptop. It doesn't feel nearly as hot as it can get. Please Help. Thanks.

CPU speed is 79C? Not sure what that means, but if it is ur CPU's temperature, thats pretty damn hot!

Get a second opinion via some other software, or take a look at the temp reporting in your bios.

What is your CPU? That sounds pretty toasty.

What software should I use? I have an IBM laptop with a Pentium 3 733MHz processor. I looked again, and it said the same thing, but felt much hotter. I wonder if the temp gauge is dead.

Max temps are:

Pentium III Slot 1 500-866Mhz 80°C
Pentium III Slot and socket 933Mhz 75°C
Pentium III Slot 1 1Ghz 60-70°C depending on model
Pentium III Slot 1 1.13Ghz 62°C

Source: http://www.pantherproducts.co.uk/Articles/CPU/CPU%20Temperatures.shtml

You can try speedfan: http://www.techspot.com/downloads/547-speedfan.html and also go into your bios and see what it is reporting as well.

Are you sure the temperature reading is in Celcius and not Farenheit?
Those notebook CPU (and others aswell ofcourse) can become surprisingly cool if idle.

I'm sure the temp reading is in Celcius, it's a pentium 3 mobile 733MHz, the temp hasn't changed for the last couple days so the temp gauge might be broken, and the IBM bios doesn't have a cpu temp place. Thanks for your help.

every one of my 12 computers that I have bought through a 15 year period has never exceded 45 degrees temp. Currently my pc is running smooth at 35 degrees. (I then recommend this!)
I have 1 cooler for my harddisk + 1 for the kabinet + 1 cooler for the cpu which supports up to a 3,2 ghz even though I only have 1,7 ghz. So for me this actually is the perfect setting.

Now if I could only turn of the noise?