The early CRT monitors, especially the monochrome ones would trigger phosphorus burn-in due to the same image displayed for hours. The pixels used in the display glow constantly because of phosphorus material. When phosphorus glows constantly, it discolors CRT’s glass surface. The discoloration is visible as a faint image that overlays what is being displayed on a computer screen. Screensavers were designed to protect the screen surface from the phosphorus burn-in.
With the advancement in display technology, energy-saver monitors are introduced. This has eliminated the requirement for screensavers but people still use them.
Good reasons to use screensavers
Entertainment & relaxation
Screensavers are fun. For example, a fish tank screensaver transforms your monitor into a live aquarium. Check the YouTube Video of the aquarium screensaver published by Uscenes. Watching fish swim across in the tank creates a hypnotic affect. You can ease muscle tension and relax.
Beach screensaver can offer those tired eyes a sparkle watching the blue sky, endless sea, and smooth sand. Relax your mind and body with a paradise beach screensaver.
Cyber Security
For example, a screensaver with an animated guard dog sitting on the screen growls and barks when someone snoops around your screen when you are away on a coffee break. It tells the snoopy person to stay away from the computer screen.
A password-protected screensaver allows you to walk away without the concerns of anybody getting a peak of any sensitive data.
Branding
Retail businesses have computers accessible to customers. Screensavers allow them to promote and create brand awareness. Organizations may require every employee to use a specific screensaver. It helps to create an aesthetic and uniform look. It even ensures that inappropriate screensavers are not demonstrated. Corporate screensavers can be updated with event reminders, important notices, and more.
Motivating and reminders
Set screensaver to display a customized message. The message can be a reminder to take medications or finish a crucial task or generate motivational words or images. Motivational images remind you of the challenge and keep you focused. For example –
- ‘Keep eyes on the road’ – inspires you to work a little hard and make the journey rewarding.
- ‘Work harder’ – The words offer a little push necessary sometimes to overcome moments.
Playable screensavers
You can play games from your browser for free but using an NES screensaver is cool! You can demonstrate the NES game as a screensaver as well as play with a tap. When you return to your computer the grid will reveal different games in action on auto mode. With the cursor choose a game and jump right in.
Christmas screensavers
Add some holiday cheer to your laptop, desktop, tablets, and smartphones. During Christmas make the screen snow or build excitement with a countdown to the Christmas screensaver. You can even make cursor snow or apply Christmas songs.
Screensavers have been purposeful in the past, which doesn’t mean they are not appealing today. You can ignore them completely but there are multiple ways to get creative and make them priceless again. Rather than using them to protect your screen, they can help in displaying reminders, stunning landscapes, inspirational quotes, and more.
