Everyone knows about the classic space screensavers- a black background with little white dots rushing past.  I used to stare at my father's old computer when the space screensavers came on.  They made me think of being in a spaceship, and that the monitor was my only window for viewing outer space as it sped past. 

Now, of course, space screensavers have been replaced by more sophisticated models, such as 3-D pipes, mazes with psychedelic patterns or exotic underwater life with fish that swim by.  But are these screensavers necessarily better?  Isn't the whole reason for space screensavers is to preserve power while your computer is inactive?  If we invent ones that are more complex than the space screensavers, aren't we defeating the purpose of a simple way to improve the life of your computer?  Space screensavers are not for entertainment, puzzles or logic.  There are games and programs meant for keeping us busy, something for us to look at.  Space screensavers were meant to be kept simple and straightforward.

Space screensavers can also be a good reminder.  I have a bad habit of spending hours at the computer wasting my time on solitaire.  Or, even worse, I turn the computer on to get something important done and busy myself with a little game or book while I am waiting for it to boot up.  When I get going on this side-track, I get more involved and soon I've forgotten all about my computer project.  Looking up to see the space screensavers, I am reminded of the time that is flying past and I quickly get back to work. 

I think that space screensavers are still among my favorite, even though they are very outdated by now.  When my computer is on but I am not using it, I often choose the screensaver that will keep me motivated and on track.  I do not want them to be distracting, loud, too colorful or obnoxious.  Something simple is best for me.  That's the main thing I love about space screensavers!  Not only are they very simple, they are not going to catch your attention if you are trying to focus on something else.

Space screensavers are also great because, to me, they represent that old-school feeling that comes with the classic games everybody seems to remember.  Pixels and bits make up the simple space screensavers and don't require a huge need to impress that the games or graphics of today seem to have.

Perhaps I have a more sentimental attachment to space screensavers and I am not looking at this in a very practical way.  Despite that, space screensavers will always give me a sense of nostalgia, relaxation and simple enjoyment.  What more could I want in such a small program for my computer?  I don't want all the bells and whistles, just give me space screensavers for my monitor and I will be happy.  Who knows, maybe when I get a brand new computer, I will find and download my very own copy of the space screensavers program!