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ATOMBack in the days of CRTs, screensavers were ever-changing images needed to prevent a pattern from being burned into the display phosphors. Modern flat screen displays don’t have that problem. Instead, we use background images to make the computer desktop more interesting. Here I have posted ten scenic images from California and Hawaii. Each is sized for a 1920 × 1200 pixel screen. These days, most computers will automatically adjust it to fit the screen to which the image is applied.
I once developed a theory that a good background image should be dark and avoid complicated patterns. That way the desktop icons will be easy to see against the background. While that’s still a great theory, it seems that most people don’t care. Many people use bright images with bold patterns. I’ll have to make a new theory.
While I’m working on that new theory, here is an assortment of undisciplined scenes. On Windows 7™ computers, you can set the background by first clicking on the link to load the full resolution image, then right clicking on the image and selecting Set as Desktop Background. You can also download and save the image. I am retaining the copyright to the images, but permission is given for personal non-commercial use.
Pillar Point Harbor, Princeton, California. The 1920 × 1200 version is here.
Pond in Gilroy Gardens, a landscaped theme park in Gilroy, California. The 1920 × 1200 version is here.
Nepenthe restaurant, Big Sur, California. The 1920 × 1200 version is here.
Point Lobos State Marine Reserve, near Carmel-by-the-Sea, CaliforniaThe 1920 × 1200 version is here.
Redwoods, Calaveras Big Trees State Park near Arnold, California. The 1920 × 1200 version is here.
Bodega Head, Bodega Bay, California. The 1920 × 1200 version is here.
Autumn foliage, processed with Topaz Labs filters. The 1920 × 1200 version is here.
View of Coconut Island, Hilo Bay, Big Island, Hawaii. The 1920 × 1200 version is here.
Tropical Almond tree, Hilo, Hawaii. The 1920 × 1200 version is here.
Akaka Falls Trail, Big Island, Hawaii/. The 1920 × 1200 version is here.
I have been using the Nepenthe background image for while. It has some fairly large blank spaces and it’s a little bit dark. That means I am still attached to my original theory. Which one do youprefer? Do you have a theory as to why?
Many compliments from me. Keep up the fantastic work.
I personally have no icons on my desktop, except for temporary use, such as files that need to be edited and then deleted. That’s why for the most part, any good-looking image will make my screen outstanding.
I mostly prefer desktop pictures without too many human products (such as the boats on the first image). Other than that, I like it when there’s decent contrast on images. It makes the menu bar on my Mac rather more clear! I guess I lean on your theory, too.
Among all the images, the Nepenthe, Autumn foliage, and Coconut Island are the ones I mostly prefer. Redwoods too; the bottom is almost blank, perfect for the menu.
— Mirza K. · Dec 26, 07:32 AM · #