In the golden age of personal computers, when glass tube displays dominated the market, a must-have tool emerged to protect these fragile monitors: the screensaver.
These screen savers not only provided visual entertainment when the PC was idle, they played a crucial role in preventing permanent damage to the monitors.
As a report from infobaeBack in those days of the 1990s and early 2000s, monitors were powered by cathode ray tube (CRT) technology. These devices required a constant emission of electron beams to illuminate the phosphorescent screen and create the image on the monitor. However, If a static image was displayed for a long time, it could leave a permanent mark on the screen, known as “burn-in.”.
This is where the screen saver comes into the picture. These animated programs prevented a single image from staying static for long periods. Instead, screensavers displayed a series of moving images or colorful patterns scrolling across the screen.
This constant activity prevented a single image from being “burned in” to the monitor and thus protected the device from permanent damage.
protection and art
Not only did they serve a practical function, but screensavers also became a form of artistic expression for PC users. Creativity flowed as animated screensavers of all kinds emerged: from relaxing virtual aquariums to colorful fireworks explosions.
These custom screen savers allowed users to personalize their computing experience and add a touch of style to their monitors. However, with the advancement of technology and the widespread adoption of liquid crystal displays (LCDs) and LEDs, modern monitors are no longer at the same risk of “burn-in” as their cathode ray tube predecessors.
As a result, animated screensavers have gradually disappeared from the current computing landscape. Instead, static screensavers, such as still images or digital clocks, have become the norm. The main function of these modern screensavers is aesthetic rather than functional, since constant activity is not required to protect today’s monitors.