You stare at your computer screen enough, don’t you want it to look attractive? Free computer backgroundsmight be the answer. In this article we’ll address the following questions:

• What are free computer backgrounds?
• How do people use free computer backgrounds?
• What should I be aware of in considering free computer backgrounds?
• Where can I find some interesting free computer backgrounds?

What are free computer backgrounds?

Quick. When you minimize all the programs on your computer, what do you see? If you answered “some standard background that came with my operating system,” have no fear. There are a lot of ways to spice up the visuals on your screen. The term “free computer backgrounds” refers to free downloadable images that you can set as the background or “wall paper” on your computer. Like Animals? Go to www.best-wallpapers.com and peruse through their animal-related images. Into Movies? You can access hundreds of movie-related free computer backgrounds at www.desktopia.com.

How do people use free computer backgrounds?

In addition to simply making their computers more attractive, many people download free computer backgrounds for a variety of useful purposes, including:

• Providing visuals for a goal you’re seeking to achieve, such as writing the great American novel or saving for a new car. Everytime you turn on your computer there’s your goal – in living color.
• Keeping friends, family, children and others “front of mind” by posting their picture as a constant reminder.
• Making the work day (or work week) productive by downloading inspiration backgrounds and changing them every once in a while.

What should I be aware of in considering free computer backgrounds?

Many backgrounds or “wallpapers” are static images, such as a favorite vacation spot, and image of the car you want or a picture of your spouse, child or pet. However, many companies are offering backgrounds that include animation and other functionality. You’ll want to be careful not to choose free computer backgrounds that are so distracting you can’t get any work done.

Another thing to consider is whether you want your background image as one image over the entire background or whether you want it “tiled.” This simply means that the image will be repeated over and over again on your screen. Different images will be more amenable to different approaches.

Where can I find some interesting free computer backgrounds?

In addition to the sites above, you might want to look at www.americangreetings (yes, the greeting card company) and www.wallpapersweb.com. You should also look at what’s already available on your computer! Most operating systems come with a built in range of images that you might find interesting or compelling.

Perhaps most exciting, you can create truly free computer backgrounds with your own favorite images. In windows, for example, all you need to do is click on “appearance and themes” in the control panel, select “change desktop background” and upload the image of your choice.

With so many options it can be tough to pick just one. The good news is that there are plenty of free computer backgrounds to go around. Go ahead. Change your image every day if you want to suit your mood. You won’t run out!