Famps

Unlock a world of emotion on your computer

f.a.m.p.s. works with a live internet connection on your PC or Mac. Famps games, emoticons, and screensavers give your desktop a total makeover. Each figure unlocks its own application. Spruce up your desktop, e-mail and IM to express yourself in all kinds of fun new ways with your friends and family. Let your emotions run free with custom wallpapers, e-cards, and avatars.

History of Computer Screensavers

Computer screensavers have a history that dates back to the earlier days of computing, particularly the era of CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) monitors. Originally, screensavers were designed to prevent "burn-in," a phenomenon where prolonged display of a static image could lead to permanent damage on a CRT screen. The screensaver would activate after a certain period of inactivity, displaying moving images or patterns that would keep the pixels on the screen changing, thereby avoiding burn-in.

As technology advanced and LCD screens, which are less susceptible to burn-in, became more common, the practical need for screensavers diminished. However, they didn't disappear; instead, they evolved into a form of digital art and personal expression. Screensavers started featuring complex animations, high-resolution photographs, and even interactive elements. Popular screensavers of the '90s and early 2000s like "After Dark," which featured the famous "Flying Toasters," or the Windows "3D Pipes" and "Maze," are nostalgic icons for many.

Over time, screensavers have also been integrated into larger desktop environment packages and have become platforms for delivering information, such as news tickers or weather updates. With the advent of energy-saving modes and better screen technology, screensavers are less about screen protection today and more about aesthetic choices or information display. In modern operating systems, they are often replaced by simple lock screens or are used for purposes like digital signage. Though their original utility has diminished, screensavers have left a lasting impact on computing culture.