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Macintosh iCal users know that screen savers have come a long way since the days when those kitschy winged toasters used to float around the screen when your computer was resting. But even most savvy Macintosh users don’t know that screensavers used to serve a technical function. Screen savers first came about in the days when computers had monochrome CRT monitors. They were designed to prevent phosphor burn-in, and those screensavers served their purpose well, flying toasters, swimming fish, tail-wagging puppies and all.

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.

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.

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.