Re: FLASH: <<<< FlashJester CREATOR Public Beta >>>>>>[ot]

[Frederico]

On 4/25/1999 8:22 AM, David Gary of

dgarystudiosmpinet [dot] net

 said:


>Actually this brings up a good discussion. 


Well, by golly, since DG has blessed this as a valid thread, I'll play. 

(;  


(hey, I told you I couldn't sleep, and there's only so much font-bit-map 

recreating a guy can stand in one sitting)


>Are Screensavers all they're cracked up to be?


Depends on why or what they do. Read on.


>Personally I dont use them and dont know anyone that does. 


I know very few people, including Wintellers, that do not.


>Do people leave  their computers unattended for long periods of time? 


Yes. Especially in work and business situations, or little things we like 

to call "servers".


>Do people not realise that the latest Monitors are "Burn

>Screen" safe and no longer require phospher protection. 


Yes, most people realise this. They should really be more accurately 

called "privacy-savers", or even better, "energy-savers" (when used 

properly). The word "screen-saver" is one of those leftover, useless 

words that just won't go away (kinda like DOS). [insert flame protection 

here]    (;


>Is selling "screen savers" a big business?


Yes and no. They can be extremely valuable, when applied properly. Most 

are freeware, the good ones (read: useful) are cost-based. Read on.


> Do people like noises coming from their computers will they are

> away from the desk? 


Not everyone uses computers at a desk, and even those that do have 

extremely valid uses for "screen-savers". Sounds are optional, based on 

application.


>Do people really use screen savers? If they do, why?


They can be extremely useful in Kiosk applications (better to draw 

attention to your idle application with a flashy advertisement), in 

business applications (such as where a customer could look over the 

counter or desk while you walk away for a moment and view sensitive 

information), in security situations (good screen-dimmers are password 

protected, manually or automatically activated, and prevent corporate 

spies [or office dickheads] from viewing your sensitive information while 

you're in the can or when they "pop" into your office), in classrooms 

(where a teacher needs to draw the attention somewhere other than what's 

on the screen), in a computer  store ( where  the owners get some 

additional visual-name-recognition when the apps aren't in use), and the 

best "screensavers" will power down your monitor altogether after a 

specified period of time (EnergyStar�), along with your 

*specified*drives, regardless of screen state ( thus saving energy, wear 

and tear on your tube, less-used drives, your ears and sanity, etc., most 

used in servers and workstations, great for graphics machines with lots 

of storage/capture drives), and most of the good security-types can't 

just be overridden by rebooting (again, server-applications, security 

workstations, etc.).


Just because you don't use one in your home-office, DG, doesn't mean 

there isn't money to be made making really cool and functional 

applications for those that need them, or, for those that just like to 

see really cool stuff on their monitor while stuck on hold with  [ insert 

your most-annoying software company here] Support. 


Then there's Wayne, who uses an instant-active version for when his wife 

"pops" in to see how work is going, and he's got that porno site on the 

screen.  (Just kidding, Wayne, I know you're not married! <w> )


Now, if I could just find a screen-dimmer that I could selectively dim 

the monitors I'm not looking at, and just leave the one I need at the 

moment, so as to reduce the unnecessary EMF and glare, I'd be very happy. 

Especially after a late night at Tommy Tsunami's.


God this is going to be a long day.


Frederico


~These are the times that try Men's Souls~ Thomas Paine



 Columbine in Our Hearts



------------------------------------------------------------------------

To UNSUBSCRIBE send: unsubscribe flasher in the body of an

email to

list-managershocker [dot] com

.  Problems to:

ownershocker [dot] com

N.B. Email address must be the same as the one you used to subscribe.

For info on digest mode send: info flasher to

list-managershocker [dot] com