The difference between screen savers and wallpaper is that wallpaper is a static image that acts as a background image for your computer’s desktop, while screen saver is a computer program that places an image in motion on the computer screen while not in use. The screen saver hides the computer desktop, both to prevent damage to the monitor and for security purposes. Sometimes a computer’s screen saver activates other computer programs that may be running in the background, such as an anti-virus or anti-spyware scan. Wallpaper and screen savers are commonly used on personal and business computers.
Cathode ray tubes projecting the same image for a long time can damage the screen.
In the past, screen protectors served a more functional purpose than they do now. Older computer monitors used cathode ray tube (CRT) technology, similar to older televisions. If a static image is left on the screen of these CRT monitors, or plasma monitors as well, the image could potentially “burn-in” onto the screen and cause damage. The moving images of the screensaver prevented this image from burning on the screen. This is no longer a concern with LCD monitors, but many people still use screen protectors for aesthetics and privacy, as well as to allow antivirus programs to scan your computer while it’s not in use.
Screen savers and wallpapers can be created using a favorite family photo.
You can set your screen saver program to require a password when someone tries to remove it and return to looking at the desktop. This is very useful in office environments if one is often away from the computer; Setting the screensaver password is a quick and basic level of security to prevent others from logging into your computer. In addition to these functional purposes, screen savers and wallpaper also serve decorative purposes. There are many screensavers and wallpaper options preloaded on most computers, or you can create a new one using your favorite family photos, for example.
While screen savers have a practical function on your computer, wallpaper is for decoration only. The wallpaper, or a desktop background image, simply fills the desktop where the program icons are located. You can transform your desktop image into whatever you want; Many people use favorite images or there are almost endless options of wallpapers that can be found for free online. The desktop background can be changed as many times as you like. Screen savers and wallpapers are great, free, and easy ways to personalize your computer and increase its security.
Both screen savers and wallpapers can be used to personalize your computer and increase its security.