BOINC

This interesting screensaver doubles as a science experiment. SETI@home (Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence at Home) uses the idle time of hundreds of thousands of computers to analyze data about radio or light signals emanating from the vicinity of 30,000 sunlike stars that might indicate intelligent life.

The analysis of the data results in a colorful readout on your desktop, with graphs as well as status displays of your computer’s part in the project. The graphics don’t move, so you might want to set your monitor to power down after a certain amount of time. The allure, of course, is that your computer may be the one to finally make contact with other life forms. Whether the project succeeds or not, this screensaver provides some nice-looking graphics, a way to get involved in science, and a great conversation starter when others look at your desktop.