Why Are They Called Screensavers?

Before discussing why are they called screensavers, we should know what a screensaver is after all. Screensaver is programmed software and similar to several other programs that a computer uses, even a screensaver program is devised so that it can be used by the operator. However, the specialty with this screensaver is that it becomes functional or active when the computer becomes lazy or inactive. Each screensaver has specific timings set by the user and if the system is not used for so much amount of time despite being in ‘on status’ then our friend, screensaver pops out on to the monitor.

The operating systems have programs to sense the screensavers and they turn on the screensavers. These screensavers, which in turn are programs, pop on to the screen and are visible as displays of some kind, graphic, animated, 2-D and 3-D images. Screensavers can be even a blank screen, can be showing slideshow of photos or pictures, display animated figures, even displays text which goes up, down and the entire screen. They are several types of screensavers and people with different tastes opt for different ones.

A display of screensaver can be custom created by putting some text; and the text appears on the screen if the computer has not been operating for the time set for the screensaver. However, screensavers are disengaged just by slightest move of the mouse. Even a single-key depression also will put off the screensaver.

Why are they Screensavers?

The main objective of designing a screensaver is to protect monitors of the computers. The Cathode-Ray Tube (CRT) monitors, which are monochrome type, have had some problems of displaying same colored image for long time periods eventually resulting in frequent replacement of monitors. Since monitors earlier days was a costly proposition, people wanted to save on and started to program what are called screensavers, which would give some saving of energy to the monitors when it is not in use. This helped the scenario and the programs that are designed to save computer screens are named as screensavers.

Do we still need Screensavers?
Absolutely no need!

The advent of energy–saver monitors which are for instance the
Present day LCD monitors have removed the need for screensavers with their improved display technology and thus do not call for one, however, we still use them aplenty as we are simply addicted to them for so many reasons and favors they offer which include but are not limited to:

• Security: A screensaver with password security gives security of no one accessing to important data your system is storing.
• Entertainment: Most of us use screensaver for the heck fun of it.
• Uniform Code: Similar to dress code, some corporates custom design their screensaver for their entire employee brigade.
• Information: There are some recent screensavers, which offer questions and are informative while giving the much needed break for the user.

It is noteworthy that most of the screensavers which come as freely downloadable ones are loaded with malicious elements that can really harm your system so read the fine print of the screensaver and ensure that is not coming with any annoying adware or spyware.

Posted in Screensavers