Screen savers were originally invented to stop 'screen burn' on old-school monitors (think anything that's not flat screen) - computer monitors now use LCD technology. Screen burn occurs when a still image is displayed on a screen for a long period of time 'burning' itself onto the screen so it is still slightly visible when that image is removed or replaced. A screen saver will therefore usually come in the form of a black screen or a screen with constantly moving images.

Screen savers are more commonly used today for either security purposes or for customisation. Current Windows operating systems come with screen savers that are safe for use; however some people prefer to download different ones to further customise their computer. This is where security issues arise. For the security conscious individual, sticking with the standard Windows screen saver is the best policy.

The process to select or change a screen saver is quite simple but does vary slightly between Windows XP, Vista and 7. Instructions for Windows 7 listed below:

Open Screen Saver Settings by clicking the Start button , clicking Control Panel, clicking Appearance and Personalization, clicking Personalization, and then clicking Screen Saver.
Under Screen saver, in the drop-down list, click the screen saver you want to use.
Click Preview to see what your chosen screen saver will look like.
Click OK.

If you still want to customise your own, consider having a gizmotech review the files you want to download first, so you know you’ll be safe from any malware.

December, 2011

Did you know: Screen Savers

Have more questions or need help? Contact Gizmo on 1300 275 449 or help@gizmo.com.au