Sometimes written as two words, as in screen savers, screensavers are computer programs that either blank the screen or, more often, fill the screen with various images or patterns after the computer has been idle for a specified amount of time.
Early computer monitors were based on cathode ray tubes (CRTs), and when the same image was displayed on a CRT screen for a long period, a ghost image would be permanently etched onto the screen, also known as a screen burn-in, due to the properties of the phosphor coating on the inside of the computer screen. To a lesser extent, plasma screens are prone to a similar effect.
Screensavers were developed to avoid these effects by automatically changing the screen during periods of inactivity.
Later CRT technologies reduced the susceptibility of the screens to burn-in, and the LCD screens most commonly in use today are not susceptible to this effect, although a less noticeable and usually temporary form of image persistence may occur.
Although modern computer screens are not susceptible to burn-in, screensavers are still in use, largely for entertainment or decorative purposes. Screensavers usually feature frequently changing photographs or moving images or patterns, such as a simulated aquarium with swimming fish or alternating nature photos.
Since screensavers are intended to activate when the user is away from the computer, many of them can be configured to require a password before the user can resume work on the machine, as a security measure against another person accessing the machine while the user is away.
Some screensavers activate a useful background task, such as a distributed computing application like the SETI@Home project or a virus scan.
Most operating systems include screensaver functions, and third-party applications are available for most OS platforms.
A computer monitor running a screensaver will use roughly the same amount of power as when it is running normally, and using a screensaver with an LCD or flat-panel screen may decrease the lifetime of the display since the backlight remains lit and will age faster than if the screen were turned off and on periodically. Typically, an LCD screen loses about half of its brightness during the product lifetime. Thus, screensavers do not actually save the screen, as the best way to save the screen and reduce the amount of electricity used is to have the computer turn off the monitor when not in use. Nevertheless, screensavers can be fun, and a large percentage of computer users will make use of them.
Topics related to the software powering screensavers are the focus of this category.
Recommended Resources
The screensaver-maker software allows users to create screensavers with a step-by-step wizard, using images, Flash movies, and audio files as background music. Photos can be acquired from digital cameras or scanners, adding animation transition effects to them. Other features include image editing, icon settings, previews, password protection, and others. A full list of features is provided, along with snapshots, awards, a FAQ, and a user tutorial. A free trial version may be downloaded.
http://www.dd2002.com/
Blumentals Screensaver Factory
Available in three editions, Standard, Professional, and Enterprise, volume and academic pricing plans are also available for this Windows-based software program, designed to create screensavers for personal use, marketing, or unlimited royalty-free commercial distribution, which can develop self-installing screensaver files and CDs for easy setup and distribution. Its features are presented, along with screenshots and samples created with the program, and customer support options.
https://www.blumentals.net/scrfactory/
The UK-based software development company produces two chief products, its Ultra Screen Saver Maker, allowing users to create screensavers that may include images, sounds, movies, text, websites, images using keyword search or Flash animations, as well as its Live Screensaver Creator, which creates screensavers from images found on specified web addresses or keywords, both designed for the Microsoft Windows platform. Documentation is included.
https://www.finalhit.com/
Available for the Windows operating system only, GraFX Saver Pro is designed to allow the user to create professional screen savers. Supporting over twenty image and video formats, as well as several audio formats, including MP3, WMA, WAV, MIDI, AIFF, and SND, the program can be used to create video, music video, photo, and company screen savers, and can also be used for tutorials, presentations, and other purposes. Purchases may be made online, for subsequent downloads.
http://www.grafxsaver.com/
Offering four editions, from a Home edition as a one-time purchase, to three annual licenses, with varying capabilities and limitations, the software is designed to create screensavers for personal use or distribution, with the Home edition restricted to personal use. Supporting the macOS and Windows platforms, various discounts may be available. Licenses may be purchased through the site, which includes a quick-start guide, a complete guide, and a support forum.
https://iscreensaver.com/
Supporting recent versions of the Microsoft Windows platform, ScreenPaver is a photo slideshow screensaver that uses the user’s own digital photo collections, which comes with a bonus screensaver utility that resides in the tray area of the Windows taskbar, providing the ability to quickly configure, select or run the current screensaver, as well as disabling or re-enabling the screensaver. Its features are listed, along with user testimonials, screenshots, and a free trial or online purchase.
http://www.screenpaver.com/
Featuring a collection of screensavers, available for free for personal, non-commercial use, the site sorts screensavers into several categories, including various 3D categories, as well as animals, cats and dogs, flowers, holidays, nature, oceans, people, space, sports, travel, and others. Wallpapers and phone wallpapers are also available. Although there is no cost, the use of the screensavers requires the download and installation of a proprietary toolbar, which facilitates its use.
http://www.screensavers.com/
