Who dreamed up the concept of the screen saver, anyway? Most of us don’t know that those barking puppies that used to pop up onscreen when our computers were at rest were there for a very specific reason. Some savvy Macintosh aficionados may know that screensavers were invented to serve a technical function. When computers came with monochrome CRT monitors, screensavers prevented phosphor burn-in. Those swimming fish, flying toasters and tail-wagging puppies, were onscreen for more than just entertainment.

We all know that in the years since the personal computer came into use, Macintosh has revolutionized the computer industry. CRT monitors have gone the way of the dinosaur, and all computers now have LCD computer monitors. Screensavers aren’t necessary because burn-in isn’t an issue. But we’ve come to love our screen savers. If you’re using your Macintosh at the office, your screen saver provides privacy from your boss and co-workers prying eyes.

Now screen savers serve more than just privacy issues. They can also serve to express our identity with photos and graphics. Sophisticated Macintosh users who use iCal and Address Book might want a more functional screensaver. Now they can have one. A company named PocketMac has come up with a program called PocketMac iCalScreenSaver. This great new tool projects all of your iCal appointments onto your screen saver when your computer’s resting. Your screensaver cycles through your iCal calendar day by day, week by week, until your entire month’s schedule is lit up on your screen. It can also display your Address Book contacts, if you choose.

You can customize your PocketMac iCalScreenSaver with four different color schemes: sunset, blue-grey, tangerine and green. You can also decide which of your calendars you want to display on your iCal screen saver. Your business appointments can show up at your office and your personal appointments can appear at home, if that’s what you want. You can also exclude certain personal appointments from your iCal screensaver.

Installing PocketMac iCalScreenSaver on your Macintosh is really simple.