What tech whiz came up with the idea of the screen saver, anyway? Believe it or not, those too-cute flying toasters that used to pop up onscreen when our computers were at rest served a function other than entertainment. But Macintosh users don’t know that screensavers were invented to serve a technical function. Back when computers had monochrome CRT monitors, screensavers prevented phosphor burn-in. Those toasters, swimming fish, tail-wagging puppies, were there for more than just entertainment.

But in the years since the invention of the personal computer, Macintosh has changed the computer industry. All computers now have LCD computer monitors instead of CRT monitors. Screensavers because Phosphor burn-in isn’t a concern, so screensavers serve mostly an entertainment function. If your Macintosh is at the office, your screen saver can serve a privacy function, as well, keeping your screen from the eyes of coworkers.

But screen savers serve many functions. We can post photos and graphics on our screensavers that express our individuality. Macintosh iCal and Address Book users might want a screensaver that’s more functional. Now it’s easy to get one. A company named PocketMac has come up with an application called PocketMac iCalScreenSaver. It projects all of your important iCal appointments as your screen saver when your computer’s at rest. PocketMac screensaver posts your iCal calendar day by day, week by week, until your entire month’s schedule is cycled onscreen. You can also choose to display your Address Book contacts.

You have the option of customizing PocketMac iCalScreenSaver in four individual color schemes: sunset, blue-grey, tangerine and green. And you have the option to pick which of your calendars you want to display on your iCal screen saver. You can choose your business appointments to show up onscreen at your office and your personal appointments can appear at home, if that’s what you choose. You can also exclude personal appointments from your iCal screensaver.

Installing PocketMac iCalScreenSaver on your Macintosh is really simple.