Screensavers are a certain type of computer program which are used primarily for entertainment or security purposes. Screensavers were initially designed to prevent screen burn-in (sometimes called Phosphor burn-in). Some plasma screens are still susceptible to burn-in and having a screensaver with changing images ensures that your screen will remain free of dreaded burn-in. Modern computer screens are less susceptible to burn-in and screensavers and now mainly used for enjoyment. Laptop computers are not susceptible to burn-in at all.

Today, many people set their computers to activate anti-virus and anti-spyware scans while a screensaver is running. This ensures that the computer is doing something useful and not wasting power when not being used by a human. Some screensavers that you can download even have sound effects with them and you can amaze your guests with impressive pictures and music on your computer screen. Many people misuse the term screensaver, using it to describe the static desktop background image. There are many types of screensavers and these include:

• Thanksgiving
• Christmas (my personal favorites)
• Animated (both 2D and 3D)
• Scrolling numbers, words or pictures
• Ocean
• Nature
• Sports
• Celebrity
• Animals

When downloading free screensavers always remember there is the possibility of downloading a virus or spyware. Many sites claim to be 100% virus and spyware free but are actually full of viruses. Always protect yourself by having up to date anti-virus and anti-spyware programs and ensure that you do your research on any site offering free downloads of any kind to check that they are actually legitimate.