Screensavers were initially designed to protect your CRT monitor from phosphor burn-in. In early monitors, especially monochrome monitors, the same picture continually displayed could "burn" into the screen, creating a faint, permanent image.

With technology advances and energy saving monitors, there really isn't a need for computer screensavers. Nevertheless, many companies and users still use screensavers for a number of other reasons.

1. Simply stated, we like the way screensavers look and the personalized touch they add to our computer. Watching the animated screensavers or a movie screensaver creates a temporary diversion to a stressful day.

2. For security purposes, you can password protect your screensaver and walk away from your computer, knowing your sensitive data is safe.

3. Many companies have policies that require all employees to use a standard screensaver, creating uniformity while ensuring appropriate screensaver displays.

4. Retail businesses often use screensavers to promote their business or products on computers accessible to customers.

5. Screensavers can provide static or real-time information. A screensaver can pull a variety of information from a web site and stream it across your monitor.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Promote your business with multimedia animated screensavers

Multimedia 3D screensavers with animation are often used. They're a great way to promote your products and services. You can design a promotional screensaver that's an eye-catching, value-added benefit to your customers, staff members and suppliers.

I recommend: Core Digital Media and Adatastic both offer custom promotional screensavers that focus on your business's needs. If your business targets children, order a custom kids screensaver from Softpedia. Remember to add your website, logo or other promotional information to your design. Watch a demo and see how easy it is to create a screensaver with the right software.

Create an inspirational or motivational computer screensaver

Use a specific screensaver company wide to maintain uniformity. Many companies, especially those that deal with the public, choose inspirational or motivational screensavers with beautiful images and quotes to remind employees to keep a positive attitude.

I recommend: Screen.com offers a number of free motivational and inspirational screensavers including "Team Spirit," "Time is Money" and "Team Work." It also offers some of the more popular screensavers, like the aquarium screensaver. Download screensavers from FabulousSavers.com, which offers free motivational video screen savers like "Be The Winner," "Dare To Act" and "Thoughts For The Day."

Use a screensaver software program to stay informed

Let your computer work for you while you're connected to the Internet, by providing you with up-to-date information on traffic, weather and financial news.

I recommend: Safe PIC offers a wide variety of real-time downloadable options, including the the Dow, Nasdaq, and S&P 500 stats. Download.com United States weather forecasts, radar and satellite pictures.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  You can use a standard Microsoft Windows screensaver that comes with any version.
• •  Include still images, video and sound to make your custom screensaver.

Use screensavers as a marketing tool to help you promote your business and create name recognition. Whether you purchase professional computer screensaver software or you choose to hire a company to help you design popular screensavers for your business, it's a good way to promote your company.

Take advantage of the screensaver tool and help features to help you develop professional-quality screensavers to enhance your business. The tools and help features will help you move through the process logically and allow you to view the product as it is created so you know if you need to make changes or corrections. Consider the following:

1. Locate screensaver software to help you create a 3D screensaver or a movie screensaver.

2. Look for companies that will work with you to design professional screensavers that highlight your business.

3. Take advantage of tutorials to help you learn the process of building screensavers.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Choose software to help you develop desktop screensavers

There is a variety of software available that will help you build your own screensavers 1 step at a time. Review the products to ensure they have the features you want -- such as the ability to make moving screensavers or kids' screensavers -- before you purchase the software.

I recommend: Blumentals Software sells software that will help you set up a screensavers business of your own. Swishzone.com offers screensaver software that can help you design professional screensavers.

Hire a professional to create your desktop screensaver

There are companies dedicated to working with you to learn your needs and design popular screensavers tailored for your business needs. Taking advantage of their knowledge allows you to focus on running your business rather than on the creation of screensavers.

I recommend: Javvin Network Management & Security will work with you to create screensavers designed to promote and market your business. Stevedawson.com will help you design the perfect screensaver to promote your business and increase brand recognition.

Tutor yourself using a screensaver tool or online tutorials

Let's face it, you don't have the time to learn all the ins-and-outs of every software program you utilize. Finding programs that feature tutorials allows you to learn what you need to know to design screensavers that look professional and promote your business at the same time.

I recommend: Axialis Software allows you to create animated screensavers, 3D screensavers and movie screensaver and provides you with free tutorials to help you create the perfect screensavers to promote your business. GraFX Saver Pro has an online screensaver tool that walks you through the process of creating professional screensavers for sale or distribution.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Use caution if you choose to download screensavers from the Internet. Many contain viruses and spyware that can cause significant damage to your computer system. Make sure you have a strong and up-to-date virus protection program running before you download any screensavers.