Do We Still Need Screensavers on Windows PC

[javajolt]

Screen savers were all the rage in the early days of computing. They first became popular in the early days of computers, when monitors were susceptible to the “burn-in” effect. To prevent this, users would install screensavers that would rotate through different images or patterns to keep the monitor from displaying the same thing for too long.

These days, most people just use screensavers as a way to show off their photos or videos. But are they really necessary? Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of using screensavers on Windows PC.

The History of Screensavers

As we mentioned, screensavers were originally designed to prevent “burn-in” on CRT monitors. Burn-in occurs when the same image is displayed on a screen for a long period of time, causing that image to become permanently etched into the display. This was a major problem in the early days of computing when most people used CRT monitors.

Screensavers were developed as a way to prevent burn-in by blanking the screen or displaying a moving image after a period of inactivity. This would “refresh” the screen and prevent the same image from being displayed for too long, thus preventing burn-in.

With the advent of LCD monitors, which don’t suffer from burn-in, the need for screensavers has diminished. However, that doesn’t mean that they’re no longer useful. Screensavers can still be used as a way to save power, as well as to provide a bit of security.

Advantages of Screensavers

Power Saving Features

Screensavers can actually help you save power. Many screensavers have an option to enable “power saving mode.” When this mode is enabled, the screensaver will blank the screen or turn off the display after a period of inactivity. This can help save power, especially if you have an older CRT monitor.

Security Features

Screensavers can also be used for security purposes. If you’re worried about someone snooping on your computer while you’re away, you can enable a screensaver that requires a password to disable. This way, even if someone does manage to get access to your computer, they won’t be able to see what’s on your screen.

Of course, there are other ways to secure your computer, but screensavers can be a helpful additional security measure.

Disadvantages of Screensavers

There are a few disadvantages to using screensavers, as well.

Performance Issues

Screensavers can actually cause performance issues on your computer. If you have an older computer, or if your graphics card is not very powerful, running a screensaver can cause your computer to slow down.

Some screensavers are very resource-intensive and can tax even a modern computer. So, if you’re worried about performance, it’s best to avoid using them.

Potential for Viruses

Another downside of screensavers is that they can potentially be used to spread viruses. If you download a screensaver from the Internet, there’s always the potential that it could be infected with a virus.

Of course, you can avoid this problem by only downloading screensavers from trusted sources, and by running a good antivirus program.

How to Customize Lock Screen on Windows 11?

If you’re looking for a screensaver that’s both functional and attractive, you might want to consider using the Windows 11 lock screen. The lock screen is the screen that comes up when you first start your computer, or when you wake it from sleep.

You can customize the look of the lock screen by choosing from a variety of built-in backgrounds, or by adding your own photos. You can also choose which apps will show notifications on the lock screen, and whether or not to display the time and date.

Do We Need Screensavers?

So, do we still need screensavers? The answer is, that it depends. It is highly unlikely that you are using a CRT monitor with your desktop setup, so the power-saving and refreshment features of screensavers are no longer necessary.

However, if you just want to show off your photos or videos, then a screensaver can be a fun addition to your computer. Just be sure to download them from trusted sources to avoid any potential viruses. If you’re concerned about performance or security, then you might want to avoid using them. Ultimately, the decision is up to you.

source