The K Desktop Environment

5.48. Screensaver

Using this module, you can choose your screensaver, determine how quickly the screen is saved, and add or remove password protection to your screensaver.

5.48.1. Choosing the screensaver, and configuring its options

At the top left corner of the module, is a check-box labeled "Enable Screensaver". This box must have a mark in it, or KDE will not launch any screensaver and it will not allow you to adjust the settings of your screensaver.

Along the left side, is a list of all available screensavers. You can select a screensaver by simply clicking on the name of the screensaver. Once you have selected a screensaver, you will see a small preview on the preview monitor on the right.

Note

The preview monitor will often show the screensaver larger than it is when the screensaver is activated. This is done on purpose, since many of the details of the screensavers would be uninteligable if actually scaled down to such a small size.

Each screensaver has a different set of setup options. By clicking on "Setup", a dialog box will appear with all available options. As you adjust the options, the preview box in the dialog box will show you what effect you will achieve with the current settings.

When you are done setting up your screensaver, click "OK".

Clicking "Cancel", will erase any changes you made in this dialog box, and return you to the screensaver module.

Clicking "About", will give you the Copyright and Author information if you are interested.

When you think you have all the options set the way you want, simply click on "Test", to immediately start the screensaver exactly as it will appear.

5.48.2. Setting the time, priority and passwords for screensavers.

Below the Preview Monitor, is a spin box, which determines the period of inactivity before the screensaver should be started. You can enter any number from 1-120 minutes in this box.

Below that, is a check-box, labeled "Require Password". If checked, when you click a key, or click a mouse button to end the screensaver, and return to your work, you must enter a password. The password used is the same password you used to login to your machine. If left blank, no password is required.

The next check-box down, is labeled "Show password as stars". If this box is not checked, there is no visual indication of any letters you enter for your password. This is the most secure way to protect your password. If this check box is marked, then each character you enter for your password will be represented by a single asterisk (*).

At the bottom of the right side of the module, is a slider labeled "Priority". If your screensaver appears jumpy, you should increase the priority closer to the "High" end. This will tell your computer to devote more time to the screensaver, and less time to other tasks.

5.48.3. Using a non-KDE screensaver

KDE does not prevent another screensaver from working. To use a different screensaver, such as xscreensaver, simply disable the KDE Screen Saver, and set up your other screen saver program normally.

5.48.4. Section Author

Mike McBride