Screen savers protect computer monitors from damage caused by static images and can be set to activate after a period of inactivity. They also add fun and can be used as a security measure. Additional screen savers can be purchased or downloaded for free, but compatibility should be checked.
Screen savers are computer programs included with every computer sold today. The original function of the screen saver was to protect the monitor from damage when a single screen of data or images was left open for an extended period of time. Today, the screen saver continues to provide this valuable service, but is also used for a couple of other applications.
Early in the development of the personal computer, it was obvious that leaving the computer display active for viewing for extended periods caused the resolution of the screen to deteriorate more rapidly. Basically, constantly displaying the static mix and light and dark colors created issues with how the screen displayed colors. This effect has sometimes been referred to as “burning”.
To prevent this type of damage to the system, the idea of a motion-driven display that would activate when a screen was left idle was developed. This moving display would allow the resolution to change constantly, thus preventing the burn-in effect and resulting ghosting. Users can set the screensaver display to activate when the screen is left idle for a specified amount of time. Many computer screen manufacturers recommend setting screen savers to activate in less than twenty minutes of inactivity.
Besides protecting the efficiency of your computer monitor, screen savers also add some fun to using computers. Today’s screen savers are often extravagant and attractive, which makes returning to your workstation after a break that much more pleasant. Moving images incorporated into screen savers can involve just about any medium, from providing animated figures, sliding marquee designs, or even something as simple as a thunderstorm with lighting.
Screen savers can also be used as a security measure. When you leave your computer unattended, the screen saver can be configured to work in tandem with an access code. Upon return, the user moves the mouse and a dialog is provided to enter the access code. Entering the correct code will deactivate the screen saver session and allow the user to continue working.
Most computers come with a limited range of basic screen savers, but a variety of designs can be purchased online and in computer stores. There are also a number of user-designed screen savers that are free and can be downloaded. While many of these free screen savers will work on any operating system, it’s always a good idea to make sure your screen saver is compatible with the operating system and version running on your desktop or laptop computer.
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