The Ohio State University

Screen savers are designed to perform a couple of different functions.

1. Having your screen saver automatically activate will help prevent "unauthorized" use of the computer by someone other than the logged in user, when that logged in user leaves their pc unattended for a period of time. You decide what length of inactivity time needs to transpire before the screen saver activates. This value can be changed as often as needed. When you log out of your account, the inactivity value you last indicated should be retained by the system, and should be the inactivity value that is in effect the next time you log in to the system. You also have the option of turning off the password protection requirement, however, this change is not retained by the system when you log out and will need to be re-set the next time you log in.

2. Your screen saver also helps to minimize the chances of "burning" a screen image onto your monitor, since the screen saver is a moving image, not a static one.

To change either the inactivity value or the password protection requirement, get to the display settings via the control panel. Make sure you're looking at the screen saver tab (see below). Once you have your changes in place, be sure to click Apply and then OK.

As an alternative to waiting for your screen saver to activate: Hit Ctrl+Alt+Delete and then hit Enter. This will perform the same function as the password protected screen saver, but you don't have to mess around with changing the inactivity value, or wait for your screen saver to activate.

Document last revised 9/11/01 dc

Back to Top