Giveaway of the Day Forums

1. 

   BritCanuck
   Member

   Every time a screensaver is offered here at GAotD, we always see those people who would rather have something else (commonly refered to by other people here as "The Whiners") start posting negative comments just as soon as the screensaver is available. However, this post is not about them. The majority of people, like me, have learned to just go and do something else whenever we choose not to download a featured Giveaway. (In other words, we grew up.)

   What this post is about is why, in my opinion, a screensaver is such a good and useful software application that deserves to continue to be offered on a regular basis by GAotD.

   People have stated in the various Comments sections that, with all the new flat-screen monitors now out on the market, the old problem of "burn-in" facing standard CRT monitors is now redundant. However, the truth is that not everyone can afford a flat screen yet. Quite a few people will still have the old-style CRT monitors, so that problem is still an issue for them. So they need the screensavers, and GAotD is happy to provide them with a fully-working screensaver once a week or fortnight.

   "Burn-in" is explained in more detail here:
   http://www.computerhope.com/jargon/b/burnin.htm

   For everyone, regardless of what kind of monitor you have, a screensaver can be a really good stress buster, too. The vast majority of today's screensavers all have excellent graphics, and are pleasing to the eyes. Most of them come with either music, or nature sounds, or both, and are pleasing to the ears. You can watch a screensaver, and imagine yourself in another world, or you can close your eyes and listen to the music. After a long day at work, a screensaver can be just the ticket you need to unwind before bedtime.

   So that's two reasons why, in my opinion, screensavers are a good thing, and a necessary thing. I hope GAotD continues to offer them in the future, and I really enjoy them.

   Whiners, please just let those who like screensavers continue to enjoy them - it's less than 24 hours before you get something that you will probably like.

   Thanks again, GAotD, and keep up the good work.

   Posted 16 years ago #
2. 

   BuBBy
   Teh adnim

   And I know there are many users who just enjoy them. Like a piece of artwork they don't have to actually DO anything. They aren't something you 'use' or 'play'. It is something to (usually) just be enjoyed and appreciated.

   Some have said they can be relaxing or a relief from stress, and for people like this, there is no other reason needed to justify their enjoyment.

   Perhaps these people have no use for a DVD ripper or a block busting game - yet they accept that some people like them (no explanation needed). The critics of screensavers need to understand sometimes other people are allowed to have their turn too.

   Posted 16 years ago #
3. 

   Whiterabbit-uk
   Games Guru

   Well said BritCanuck.

   I've been an avid collector of screensavers (and wallpapers, for many years and was very pleased that the Gveaway project started to give screensavers away. I missed the early ones, in fact I think my very first download from this project was a screensaver, (the autumn one) it was that or the excellent and unusual arkanoid clone TVI arkanoid.

   I would be very disappointed if the project leaders stopped the regular medicine. :) There have been some fantastic giveaways over the past 15 months, in particular the space savers as wel as the mecanical clock, dark castle and the waterfall screensavers. I aso loved the Egyptian themed saver. I still have most of them.

   If you are really into screensavers I would recommend suc screensaves as the Aquazone series of marine and freshwater fish screensavers, or the EarthView screensaver (whic also incorporates a wallpaper function tat allows you to zoom in on particular points on the world map, with loads of extra downloads to add to the original, different types of maps from natural, national and geological maps of te world, right up to 2.5Km magnification. There's also the fantastic G-Force screensaver that will give you an unending series of psychedelic imagery on your screen - which is increasinglt being used by some bands as a back drop on stage. (It's like having one of those iol projectors but much more versatile as you can create your own configurations:

   Aquazone Screensavers:

   http://www.broderbund.com/products/H42919.jsp

   http://www.itreviews.co.uk/software/s320.htm

   Earth View:

   Ican't find the link I have in my favorites, and want to get my games reviews posted, so will return later with a link to this excellent screensaver and wallpaper.

   G-Force:

   http://www.soundspectrum.com/g-force/upgrade.html

   I agree with you wholeheartedly with everything you say as well as agree with what BuBBy had to say. Thanks for making this post. I think I'll expand on it when I have the time. :)

   Anyone for a free screensaver :)

   p.s.
   It's a pity Elefun desktops stpped their daily giveaways of screensavers and animated wallpapers. I downloaded bout 60 or more of tem and am tempted to subscribe for at least a year just to get the rest as I feel obliged after all of the ones they gave away, though teir screensavers are not as animated as the ones you get from the big screensaver vendors such as AstroGemini Rixane and Terminal Studios screensavers, then again I don't see animated wallpapers elsewhere yet.

   Posted 16 years ago #
4. 

   goodgotd
   Member

   Personslly I usually use the BioHazard Screensaver from http://www.rastaworld.com (free reg req'd, easier to get it at http://www.freewarefiles.com/program_13_129_18930.html - note- it's red, not green) on my athlon XP to tell me when JkDefrag disk defragmenter (http://www.kessels.com/JkDefrag/index.html, v 3.33- excellent for machines that stay on all the time) screensaver version is finished with the drives- and the only flat panel I have is on this laptop, which has wimpy video, so I use the starfield sim instead.

   My wife likes the Paprotka saver (http://www.4neurons.com/Paprotka/) but likes me to show her other neat ones.

   Posted 16 years ago #
5. 

   BuBBy
   Teh adnim

   I like MBSS : http://www.mathsavers.com/savers.htm

   (I like the idea my PC is actually having to work to make me happy).

   Posted 16 years ago #
6. 

   Archangel
   Member

   GOTD is saving the impulsive downloaders (that don't like screensavers) some diskspace! LOL

   Posted 16 years ago #
7. 

   scubaguy (R.I.P.)
   Member

   Here's one that works with single as well as multiple monitor setups It will extend across multiple screens not just clone mode.

   http://www.reallyslick.com/

   Posted 16 years ago #
8. 

   Lockett
   Member

   I use Electric Sheep:

   http://electricsheep.org/

   Posted 16 years ago #
9. 

   native1
   Member

   Replying to post #3 by Whiterabbit regarding an Earth View screen saver. I'm not sure if this is the one you had in mind but I have this one on my computer and it is very interactive. I am a geography buff anyway so I especially like this one even though it comes with a tool bar that some may not want (you know how to get rid of it). It is called 3D Earth Screensaver offered by many sites on the web but is a product of Crawler LLC. It does come with an uninstaller, so why not give it a try!

   http://www.crawler.com/products/3D-Earth-Screensaver.aspx

   Posted 16 years ago #
10. 

    sukibabe
    Games Junkie

    Since this topic came up again. Here is a good link to some fun.

    Unfortunately, Krazy Dads site is having some difficulty at this time.

    I have Metascope on my Dell Desktop. Try it when he gets the Google issue fixed.

    http://www.krazydad.com/metascope.php

    An alternate page: http://www.krazydad.com/windows_freebies.php
    This page also has Mac ones.

    Suki

    Posted 16 years ago #
11. 

    Spiritwolf
    Member

    One way to use your computer to help accomplish something positive for the rest of the world, while also having some unusual and fascinating screensavers to run, is to get involved in the GRID Distributed computing projects. I've run GRID projects and their screensavers on my pcs for years now, ever since back when United Devices was young and doing its first cancer research project.

    Now there are a variety of organizations doing Distributed Computing projects and quite a number of different projects to choose from.

    http://www.gridrepublic.org/index.php?param=about
    GridRepublic members run a screensaver that allows their computers to work on public-interest research projects when the machines are not otherwise in use. This screensaver does not affect performance of the host computer any more than an ordinary screensaver does.

    By aggregating idle resources from users around the world, we create a massive supercomputer.

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_distributed_computing_projects

    BOINC
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Berkeley_Open_Infrastructure_for_Network_Computing

    Posted 16 years ago #
12. 

    Buckleysmom
    Member

    BritCanuck...... So that's two reasons why, in my opinion, screensavers are a good thing, and a necessary thing. Here, here. Or is it hear, hear? whichever....I agree.

    I've only been watching the game giveaways not the regular giveways (well, I do now that they're combined) but anyway I haven't seen all the free screensavers you huys are talking about. Does anyone know of any that have animals in them? I would love to see a good safari animal screensaver as I love zebras, giraffes and elephants.

    Posted 16 years ago #
13. 

    Buckleysmom
    Member

    Suki......Oooooh I just loooked at krazydads stuff.....cool! I also love kaleidoscopes.

    Posted 16 years ago #
14. 

    delenn13
    Minbari Ambassador

    Spiritwolf, I run a program also and I won't use their screen saver or any screen savers. Using Your PC to Find Cures for Diseases- Folding@Home But each to their own.

    My mom has bone cancer and Alzheimer's and my husband just found out his best friend of 30 years is dying of small cell lung cancer/Extensive Stage Disease. And all my grandparents died of either heart diease or cancer.

    So I won't let a screen saver use any resources as I feel guilty enough playing games, which do take away from the program.

    Posted 16 years ago #
15. 

    sukibabe
    Games Junkie

    Buckleysmom

    The Metascope program takes up allot of resources on your pc, so I only use it when I'm in the mood to trip out, so to speak,lol! People who are affected with that screen seizure problem should not use this program!

    It is mesmerizing!

    delenn13, my main pc runs a low volume screen saver, so my contribution to that program is only hurt minimally. My network is set up to give me daily reports on bandwidth for all 3 computers and that one has plenty to give. You are right about the games, my reports only gauge up to 50 MB and when I play a game, it maxes it out!

    Suki

    Posted 16 years ago #
16. 

    Whiterabbit-uk
    Games Guru

    Hi Native1, no that's not the one I mentioned, though it is quite good. I completely forgot I said I'd post the link to Earth View. Here it is:

    http://www.desksoft.com/EarthView_Screenshot.htm

    You can set any area of the earth as a wall paper and zoom in. Much like google Earth, but not quite as close up. I think the maximum zoom is 2.5Km. Then you have a screensaver function as well. There's a lot of add ons as well which I mention in my post above.

    Suki, you must try G-Force. It's a brilliant visualization program that can be used as both a screensaver and in conjunction with your media player. It's a really beautiful freeform psychedelic screensaver:

    http://www.soundspectrum.com/g-force/upgrade.html

    Wirechanger that was given away last year also has a kaleidascope wallpaper generator which has been one of my favorite applications given away from the giveaway project. I bought it shortly after it was given away because I loved the desktop enhancements that came with it as well. You can set your wallpaper to change regularily. with the kaleidoscope and fractals generators I've had some beautiful wallpapers, you can set the program to save each one that's generated if you wish. :)

    http://www.wiredplane.com/en/wirechanger/about.php?language=en

    I was really impressed with the developer because when I first ordered wirechanger I actually mistakenly ordered wire keys instead. When I realized what I'd done (after receiving the reg key for wire keys, I contacted the developer who then promptly sent me the wirechanger reg code and said keep the reg code for wire keys as well. Both of which I was really pleased with.

    Posted 16 years ago #
17. 

    sukibabe
    Games Junkie

    I found a new use for Screensavers!
    They take away internet withdrawal when you are sitting in the woods knowing you can't reach this site, lmao!

    Will check that one out Whabbit!

    However, looking at wireless broadband card for my laptop. Son works for Sprint so he could get me the monthly fee for half the price and turn it on and off(as I am only up there about 6 months of the year), would still have to buy the card, but he said the USB stick is cheaper by about 30 bucks now! He said I would be crawling somewhere between dial-up and dsl, but hey, I'd take it!

    Suki

    Posted 16 years ago #
18. 

    watcher13
    Member

    I'm not necessarily one who agrees with the thread, but have some news for Astrogemini fans. The German Avanquest software site is offering a Xmas special on Greeting Card Designer bundled with 3 Astrogemini 3D screensavers: Christmas Time, Winter Night, and Formula 1. All 4 for 20 Euros. The 2 Christmas screensavers got 2/3rd positives when given away here. Considering the number of screensaver haters, that's pretty impressive. As to Greeting Card Designer, their website says they got 5 stars from CNET, but that must be a seperate review I didn't search for. The download from CNET I saw had only 3 stars. I would assume, most would want to wait and hope these Astrogeminis will be GOTD giveaways again. But, I'm not qualified to plumb the minds of screensaver lovers, so....

    http://web.avanquest.com/special_offers/2008_calendar/calendar.cfm?country_id=2&tr1=BB_DE_BN_AD_1208

    Click on star 15.

    Posted 15 years ago #
19. 

    My Alias Nothing
    Member

    Although I respect the fact that there are people who find screensavers useful, I simply have to disagree.

    First of all, for the burn-in problem, it could simply be solved with a press of a button, turn your monitor off. As for lazy, or forgetful people, they could just configure Windows to automatically turn off the monitor after an amount of time using Power Options in Control Panel (Definitely on XP, and most likely Vista, should have similar tool in older, or other OS). Or you could set the screensaver as blank, same kind of thing.

    As for it being pleasant, and all, there are other programs, casual gaming, taking a nap, spending time outdoors, plenty of alternatives.

    I, myself, uses it only to activate some features of my programs, such as virus scanning (using Avast), and other things that happen while I'm not on. Just for your info, I've come across quite a lot of screensavers as well, but they all get boring sooner or later.

    Posted 15 years ago #
20. 

    mythicalme
    Member

    I do not use screen-savers. First, the burn-in problem that created the need in the first place was remedied long ago. CRTs in the 80's and early 90's were subject to burn-in but monitors improved and burn-in became a thing of the past.

    Second, whenever you use a screen-saver, you're executing a program that uses the processor. It generates heat thereby decreasing the life of the processor. Once I had the Earthview screen-saver and found that when activated the processor use went up to almost 100% and the heat generated was 20% more than with some very heavy processor usage software.

    As MyAliasNothing suggested, the best thing to do is to simply exercise the index finger and turn off the monitor. Better yet, when you're not using your computer, turn it off.

    Posted 15 years ago #
21. 

    pbbbbear
    Member

    BritCanuck wrote:
    "People have stated in the various Comments sections that, with all the new flat-screen monitors now out on the market, the old problem of "burn-in" facing standard CRT monitors is now redundant."

    I’m not into screensavers either, but don’t mind seeing them on GOTD for others that like them.
    I’m not sure if this is “Burn-in” or not, but I have seen a flat panel screen with an outline of the terminal server bar that you see at the top, permanently etched on the screen. So perhaps flat panels are still subject to this?

    Posted 15 years ago #
22. 

    scubaguy (R.I.P.)
    Member

    Many are not able to easily spend time outdoors, or feel like playing a game. As for taking a nap, many of us are forced into that because of the many medications we take. Therefore, if we wish to loose ourselves in a pleasant looking screensaver for whatever reason, that is our choice.
    I have a screensaver that is composed of all types of Christmas photos with music to go with the photos. This screensaver helps me to take my mind off the discomfort I feel while I wait for my pain medication to take effect. There are many other screensavers that are used for the same reason.
    As for the fact “CRTs in the 80's and early 90's were subject to burn-in but monitors improved and burn-in became a thing of the past.” Yes, we are all aware of this, and if it decreases the life of my processor.....Well it is my processor and that is my choice.
    Screensavers can also have a positive effect.

    ---edited---

    Posted 15 years ago #
23. 

    My Alias Nothing
    Member

    Huh, my post was deleted. Now I can see why there aren't any other sides to this discussion, seems to me screensaver fans rule this place. Then I won't bother, but it's still plain rude to just delete (report) my post, even though I didn't really break any of the rules. I'm disappointed in this place.

    ^scubaguy: Still is your choice on this, but I do have my own opinion here don't I? Or maybe I don't... We'll see.

    Posted 15 years ago #
24. 

    watcher13
    Member

    pbbbbbear,
    I would have thought no, too, from what I've heard, but if you've seen it, then I'm inclined to believe you. Plasma's might be prone too it, but I assume you were talking about an LCD monitor, not a plasma TV. The thing is, though, screensavers get such a bad wrap partly because there's a much simpler solution even if burn-in is the potential problem. Just using your power management and having your monitor go into standby, and therefore dark, saves power and internal mileage on both your monitor and your computer. Screensavers are from back in the days when power management was either unavailable or crude and glitchy. Sometimes it took more than a few seconds for monitors and/or machines to come back out of standby. It's pretty quick now. I saw one argument in the comments section from a very smart technician who said he used screensavers to improve his productivity because the desktop came up immediately, instead of having to wait a few seconds. Really? Those few extra seconds hurt your productivity to the point where it made a significant difference in your wallot? It wasn't coffee breaks, cigarette breaks, shooting the breeze, or whatever? Besides, I don't want to become THAT much of a workerbot. If it were me, I'd contemplate a new career.

    The point is: there may be valid personal aesthetic reasons to use a screensaver, but in 999 cases out of 1,000 (really, not even that many), there's no valid technical reason. Especially not for a home user. But, for personal enjoyment - sounds good to me. Forgive me, however, if I don't partake.

    Posted 15 years ago #
25. 

    notblocklox
    retired

    Hi, My Alias Nothing
    please read the topic :
    "Why Screensavers Are A Good Thing..."
    When you would like to comment to any other topic, feel free to open a new thread.
    Not your opinion is wrong or unwanted but the manner you expressed it.
    Please stay on topic and please show respect to other users and their opinion.
    graylox aka notblocklox

    Posted 15 years ago #
26. 

    pbbbbear
    Member

    Upon further research I have probably seen what they call “LCD Image Persistence”, according to this at least: http://compreviews.about.com/od/monitors/a/LCDBurnIn.htm
    I might add that this was seen on a business PC with a regular standard LCD 17’’ flat panel screen that is on almost 24/7. So the likelihood of this occurring on a home computer is very unlikely to happen.
    Probably have been a bit off topic here, but thought it necessary to clear up any confusion I may have caused.
    This in my opinion is good reason to use a screensaver of some sorts, or at least turning off the monitor when not needed. So GOTD keep em commin', you rock!

    Posted 15 years ago #
27. 

    My Alias Nothing
    Member

    Okay, I apologize, and admit I may have been a bit rash, but I still need a better explanation. Did I not express the respect aspect on my first sentence? (or somewhere close to that). Now I'm not that against this whole idea to bother with a new thread, and I never post anything negative during Screensaver Giveaways, I simply skip those. Please reply.

    Posted 15 years ago #
28. 

    BuBBy
    Teh adnim

    Personally, I find the posting of Screensavers don't save screens and save the planet - turn your screen off, to be repetitive and tiresome.

    When a paint program gets offered I don't see people arguing on the merits of graphic programs over using a real paint brush.

    People are asked to comment on the giveaway software. Many of the users who comment have not even downloaded or looked at the software. Many comments are along the lines of "I don't like screensavers and I never use them - and neither should you. GOTD should never give away this type of software, it should be banned." (usually rants like this are of no help to anyone and I will delete them).

    I believe everyone is entitled to make up their own mind and comments can only speak on behalf of the person posting them (ie. don't speak as "the elected representative of all the other users").

    As for screen burn in - if anything is going to cause burn in - it is the negative image of the start button on the task bar - which is usually displayed 100% of the time - I have seen this - also on a Business PC - and was only visible by turning off the LCD monitor and looking very closely in direct sunlight. The user was completely unaware of it until having it pointed out to them.

    Posted 15 years ago #
29. 

    watcher13
    Member

    I think I've been misunderstood, though I'm hardly the first to make this point. I have no problem with either using a screensaver of turning the monitor off. I'm just saying there's a certain logical elegance to using power management to make your monitor go dark if you're aware from your machine for too long. It's as good a protection from burn-in than either of the other methods. I'm not pushing it. I'm just saying that with power management or the option of hitting the power switch, screensavers have become a purely aesthetic choice. Which is fine. I've got no problem with your computer having something attractive running which makes you feel better. Actually, sounds like as useful a purpose for a computer as any. It's just that screensavers no longer serve a "technically" useful purpose.

    Posted 15 years ago #
30. 

    BuBBy
    Teh adnim

    I'm sure almost all users who run screensavers do so for aesthetic and entertainment reasons and not to save electricity, to cool their room, to prevent possible damage to their display.

    I think the intention of screensavers ceased to be "technically useful" ever since Berkeley Systems launched "After Dark" and the Flying Toasters on the Mac back in 1989. Since then any "technical usefulness" is surely an accident that nobody really cares about.

    In an interview with Patrick Beard, one of the architects who worked on "After Dark", Patrick says,

    With the advent of LCD displays, screen savers are now purely eye candy.

    It is interesting to read all of The After Dark Interviews - for some insight into the development of the first screensavers (as we now think of them).

    Oh.. and have a Flying Toaster Screensaver ;)

    Posted 15 years ago #

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