Walk through any cubicle farm and you are likely to see all types of screen savers. Some of them might feature sports teams, religious ideologies, favorite pastimes or company logos. Sure, screen savers are an easy way for individuals to express themselves and customize their work environments, but what is the function of a screen saver? Is there a legitimate reason to use them other than personalized décor?
It turns out that screen savers really can offer functionality, but you have to choose ones that do something other than show an animated bear dancing across the screen or trippy lights flashing to the beat of an unheard song.
Improve Computer Security with a Screen Saver
Some screen savers are designed to improve security. After a period of inactivity, the computer displays a screen saver instead of any documents. This prevents passersby from viewing material on the screen. When the worker comes back to her desk, the screen saver can then ask for a password. Without the password, it will not allow anyone to access files on the computer, thus improving the computer’s security.
Clean Up Your Computer System with a Screen Saver
Screen savers can also be designed to perform system maintenance. When the screen saver comes on, it initiates programs that tidy up your computer’s operating system and files. If you are away from your desk for ten minutes, then the screen saver might initiate a defragmenting program that cleans up your hard drive. It probably won’t finish by the time you come back, but it has done some good. The cumulative effect is a faster, more efficient computer.