To avoid phosphor burn caused by static images on a screenThe Microsoft Windows operating system provides special applications called screen savers that start when the mouse and keyboard have been idle for a period of time. Screen savers exist for two main reasons:
To avoid phosphor burn caused by static images on a screen
To conceal sensitive information left on a screen
Clearing a screen addresses both goals, but screen savers are not restricted to this simple use. They can also display animated sequences such as a fish tank or fireworks. Animated sequences avoid phosphor burn by continually changing the image.
Windows provides a screen saver application that monitors the mouse and keyboard and starts the screen saver after a period of inactivity. The Desktop section of Windows Control Panel makes it possible for users to select from a series of screen savers, specify how much time should elapse before the screen saver is started, configure screen savers, and preview screen savers.
This chapter describes how to create a custom screen saver and add it to the library of screen savers users can select by using Control Panel.