Using a Screen Saver

Screen savers used to be necessary to avoid having images burned into your computer’s monitor. The monitors today, however, are manufactured in a way that it is difficult for an image to become burned into the screen. An important use of a screen saver is security. You can make your screen saver password-protected to prevent intentional or accidental access to information on your PC. If you'd like to use screen savers you can do the following in order to add or change a screen saver:

Windows XP

1. Right-click on an empty part of the Desktop
2. Select Properties
3. Click on the Screen Saver Tab
4. Select the Screen Saver You Wish to Use
5. Enter the Number of Minutes of Inactivity to Wait Before the Screen Saver is Activated
6. You May also Check the Password Protected Box to Activate the Security Features
7. Click on the Settings Button and Select Any Options Associated with that Screen Saver
8. Click Okay

Windows Vista

1. Right-click on an empty part of the Desktop
2. Select Personalize
3. Click on Screen Saver
4. Select the Screen Saver You Wish to Use
5. Enter the Number of Minutes of Inactivity to Wait Before the Screen Saver is Activated
6. You May also Check the Password Protected Box to Activate the Security Features
7. Click on the Settings Button and Select Any Options Associated with that Screen Saver
8. Click Okay

Note: This is also a handy way of quickly accessing Power Options, where you can adjust how quickly the screen or PC goes to sleep.