Screensaver Creation Software
Posted by Andysb123@reddit | sysadmin | View on Reddit | 35 comments
Yes, I know, "who uses screensavers these days?" – but here I am, tasked with finding software to create screensavers for the company and then deploying them.
I've noticed that some companies have really creative screensavers that showcase their values, upcoming events, and are even animated. I was wondering if anyone has experience with or can recommend any good software for this purpose?
I've come across a few options that promise easy deployment, but before I dive into testing them all, I'd love to hear any recommendations from those who have used similar tools.
Bartghamilton@reddit
I’ve used Axialis ($80) to create the Windows scr file. Then used GPO and Intune to deploy. I wouldn’t want to load another agent on workstations just for screensavers.
gzr4dr@reddit
This. While it has been a while, created a power point deck that autoplays and then Axialis to convert. Works perfectly. I then upload the scr to a file share and a GPO pushes as needed. The executive admins now manage the deck and conversion and the rest takes care of itself. I'm assuming Intune can manage the scr push instead of GPO as well.
maxcoder88@reddit
I will do similar thing. would you mind sharing your policy settings?
gzr4dr@reddit
I can't copy paste directly from work, but if you know how to enforce using a screensaver this should get you started:
Computer Configuration/Policies/Administrative Templates/System/Group Policy
Computer Configuration/Preferences/Windows Settings/Files/File (Target Path: C:\windows\system32\
General
Action - Replace
Source Files - \\fileserver\fileshare\screensaver.scr (enter your screensaver name here)
Destination file - C:\windows\system32\screensaver.scr (enter your screensaver name here)
User Configuration/Policies/Administrative Templates/Control Panel/Personalization
All I would do then is create a new screensaver as needed and then replace the file on the file share. As the file is set to replace, it would automatically get pushed to all workstations upon update. This was created before we started using Intune, which I'm sure supports a similar process as long as the file is hosted on a cloud hosted environment. The current file share requires LAN access to download.
scadmin54@reddit
You can do this with powershell and deploy from Intune. No third party software required. There are some registry keys you configure and point it to a folder full of pictures that cycle through in a slideshow fashion.
maxcoder88@reddit
care to share your script?
cantorisdecani@reddit
We use Screensaver Factory to display some corporate propaganda for those few minutes before Display Off!
astrosox@reddit
We use this as well and really like it.
anton1o@reddit
Make your marketing dept take ownership and go with a Agent solution like DeskAlerts.
Then you can get them trained up and you dont need to become the marketing person for.
Markering - At 11:00am on Friday we want to put this important post up about genders but then at 1:00PM we need it changed to this about the public holiday on the weekend, On Monday we would go back to our corporate images.
Your a sys admin not a receptionist.
stahlhammer@reddit
This sounds more like a solution for digital signage, not screensavers, we just have screens turn off after 5 mins so they never display a screensaver anyway. Another idea would be scripting lock screen changes to some static image with these details.
Andysb123@reddit (OP)
Digital signage is hard when most of the 3000 users work from home 😂, they've specifically asked for screensavers. I've gone through some software and it looks good but I just need a starting point
rgsteele@reddit
Do they want screensavers or do they want wallpaper? Im my experience, end users tend to say “screensaver” when they mean wallpaper.
UpstairsJelly@reddit
This is probably it. We had a request from upper management a couple of years ago to "sort the screensavers out" - after some probing they meant the pre-logon screen, the windows lock screen and desktop backgrounds.
zakabog@reddit
That's an odd request, if they're working from home do they just want to stare at an idle computer screen...?
Just setup the photo gallery slideshow and call it a day.
Reverent@reddit
"They" would be HR or marketing, not the users ignoring the screensavers. I assume.
hkeycurrentuser@reddit
Marketing team: "We want a cool screensaver"
Green team: "We want to save power"
ICT: "FFS, a screensaver was a thing to save screen burn in, the point is no one is looking at them. You're all idiots.
BornAgainSysadmin@reddit
I came here to say this. I was caught in this scenario about 8 years ago. The best (worst?) part was that it was the green team and marketing were the same team. Fortunately, I was able to kill the conversation quickly by pointing out their opposing logic.
Andysb123@reddit (OP)
Yeah they font3give a crap about saving energy 😂 to be honest neither do I, I leave everything on 24/7 😂
Jay_Two@reddit
Irfanview will do what you need.
pdp10@reddit
Beware: Irfanview is not free for business use.
batmonkey7@reddit
I second this!
touchytypist@reddit
Why not just set the login/Lock Screen to a company branded background? It’s more professional.
Plus most computer power settings these days will sleep a computer or monitor before the screensaver comes on.
bolunez@reddit
Every end user who has used the word "screensaver" in my presence actually meant "wallpaper."
wheresthetux@reddit
It's a big and weird lift, BUT! ... Xibo (Digital Signage software) has a Windows screensaver module. It would involve setting up a server or buying service, enrolling the endpoints/deploying the client. However, after that you could hand the keys over to Marketing to dazzle the masses for those OKRs or KPIs to synergize with the corporate strategy showing ROI... or whatever they have planned.
ofd227@reddit
Escreenz
OgdruJahad@reddit
Irfanview has the ability to make screensavers for free. But it's only static images if I recall correctly. Screensavers were so cool.
My favourite would be the fish aquarium one and the Hal 9000 console screensaver.
Wildfire983@reddit
After Dark. Enable rude noises.
VariousProfit3230@reddit
As a kid, I loved the man trapped on an island and the game show screensaver.
rgsteele@reddit
I’m not sure about the game show screensaver, but the man stranded on a deserted island was Johnny Castaway.
TheMelwayMan@reddit
Flying Toilets!
Andysb123@reddit (OP)
😂 Could enable if I leave on bad terms 😂
BeerNerd207@reddit
Depending on the scope and scale you're looking at -- we shifted from hundreds of BrightSign boxes and very basic infrequently updated screensavers deployed via GPO to NetPresenter that's been heaps easier for our marketing team to manage.
kawajanagi@reddit
I created a few using Quartz Composer a few years ago, is it still bundled with Xcode these days, not sure.
ahorsewhithnoname@reddit
Screensavers are just .exe files renamed to .scr files. Maybe you can start a web browser in kiosk-mode to display a intranet webpage or create a .NET Application with a full screen Web Control. Then deploy that scr file via group policies and set it as the screensaver.
TheGuyWhoAnnoys@reddit
Probably just a bunch of static images with the help of the integrated slideshow 🙆🏻♂️