Screensavers were initially designed to protect your CRT monitor from phosphor burn-in. In early monitors, especially monochrome monitors, the same picture continually displayed could "burn" into the screen, creating a faint, permanent image.
With technology advances and energy saving monitors, there really isn't a need for computer screensavers. Nevertheless, many companies and users still use screensavers for a number of other reasons.
1. Simply stated, we like the way screensavers look and the personalized touch they add to our computer. Watching the animated screensavers or a movie screensaver creates a temporary diversion to a stressful day.
2. For security purposes, you can password protect your screensaver and walk away from your computer, knowing your sensitive data is safe.
3. Many companies have policies that require all employees to use a standard screensaver, creating uniformity while ensuring appropriate screensaver displays.
4. Retail businesses often use screensavers to promote their business or products on computers accessible to customers.
5. Screensavers can provide static or real-time information. A screensaver can pull a variety of information from a web site and stream it across your monitor.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Promote your business with multimedia animated screensavers
Multimedia 3D screensavers with animation are often used. They're a great way to promote your products and services. You can design a promotional screensaver that's an eye-catching, value-added benefit to your customers, staff members and suppliers.
I recommend: Core Digital Media and
Adatastic both offer custom promotional screensavers that focus on your business's needs. If your business targets children, order a custom kids screensaver from
Softpedia. Remember to add your website, logo or other promotional information to your design. Watch a
demo and see how easy it is to create a screensaver with the right software.
Create an inspirational or motivational computer screensaver
Use a specific screensaver company wide to maintain uniformity. Many companies, especially those that deal with the public, choose inspirational or motivational screensavers with beautiful images and quotes to remind employees to keep a positive attitude.
I recommend: Screen.com offers a number of free motivational and inspirational screensavers including "Team Spirit," "Time is Money" and "Team Work." It also offers some of the more popular screensavers, like the aquarium screensaver. Download screensavers from
FabulousSavers.com, which offers free motivational video screen savers like "Be The Winner," "Dare To Act" and "Thoughts For The Day."
Use a screensaver software program to stay informed
Let your computer work for you while you're connected to the Internet, by providing you with up-to-date information on traffic, weather and financial news.
I recommend: Safe PIC offers a wide variety of real-time downloadable options, including the the Dow, Nasdaq, and S&P 500 stats.
Download.com United States weather forecasts, radar and satellite pictures.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- You can use a standard Microsoft Windows screensaver that comes with any version.
- Include still images, video and sound to make your custom screensaver.
Related Resources from Business.com
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