Understanding Screen Savers
Theoretically, screen savers are one of the least intrusive forms of glitz you can add to a system. The diminutive SCR files you can find in the \Windows\System32 folder containing the screen savers range in size from 8KB to 652KB for a default Windows installation. The default setup only contains 11 files for a total of 2.46MB. In short, even if you remove the screen savers you don’t want, you’ll save little hard drive space. Because screen savers run when you aren’t using the system, you don’t have to worry too much about how many processor cycles they use either. The only way that you’ll save much is by disabling screen savers completely to save the memory they use.
Screen savers do offer quite a bit to the user. The obvious benefit is that the screen saver reduces “burn in” the effect that occurs when a monitor displays the same information repeatedly. Of course, you can avoid this problem by shutting the monitor down after a period of inactivity. Many corporations prefer this course because shutting the monitor down also reduces the power bill for the system.
Most screen savers also provide password protection. When the screen saver activates, you can’t get it to go away unless you enter your name and password. You can avoid this cost by logging out of the system whenever you leave the room. The time required is the same, but it’s a little more work for the user. In addition, the user might forget to log out and the screen saver is automatic.
The bottom line is that screen savers are a cheap piece of glitz and they serve a useful purpose. Generally, it’s not worth your time to remove them unless you have significant performance problems to overcome.
Taken From : Microsoft Windows XP Power Optimization