Configuring a Screen Saver in Windows 95/NT
By: Staff
Date: October 17, 2006
Level: Beginner |
Screensavers started out as a way to prevent damage to a computer monitor caused by a static image remaining on the screen too long. They also help protect your work from prying eyes by removing it from the screen if you stop work for a few minutes. Modern computer monitors are less susceptible to "burn in" from an image remaining on-screen too long, but screen savers remain popular--perhaps because the dancing images of a screen saver are just more fun than the boring desktop. Windows NT includes an assortment of screen savers for your visual distraction. After a predetermined period of inactivity, the screen saver will replace the image of your desktop with moving lines or shapes.
When you're ready to return to work, simply move your mouse or press any key on your keyboard to deactivate the screen saver and return your on-screen desktop to its normal condition.
Pick a Screen Saver - You can select a screen saver in the same Display Properties dialog box you use to adjust the other desktop display settings. Click the Screen Saver tab to bring up the screen saver options
To activate a screen saver, select a screen saver module from the Screen Saver drop-down list box. The thumbnail monitor shows a preview of the screen saver effect. If you want to see what the full-scale screen saver looks like, click Preview. To turn the screen saver off and return to the Display Properties dialog box, press any key or move the mouse.
Adjusting Screen Saver Settings - Many of the screen savers allow you to fine tune the settings that control details such as how many objects appear on the screen and their colors. To adjust the settings, click the Settings button to open a dialog box. The specific settings for each screen saver module will vary somewhat depending on the design of that module. After you adjust the settings, click OK to close the dialog box. There's one more major adjustment you need to make to control the behavior of the screen saver.
That is how long NT will wait after your last keystroke or mouse movement before activating the screen saver. You can adjust the length of the delay by changing the value in the Wait number box. You can type in a number or increase or decrease the number by clicking on the small up and down arrow buttons in the number box. To enable the screen saver, click Apply. Of course, the screen saver will not appear immediately; it will not be activated until your keyboard and mouse remain inactive for the period of time you designated in the wait setting.
Tip: There is a short delay between the time the screen saver appears and the time the password protection takes effect. If you move the mouse during the first few seconds that the screen saver is on-screen, you can return to your desktop without having to enter your password. This comes in handy in those cases when the screen saver kicks in when you have just paused to think or grab a sip of coffee.
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