HT204379: Mac Basics: Display a screen saver when you're not using your Mac

Learn about Mac Basics: Display a screen saver when you're not using your Mac
carol274

Q: Can I ask a very basic question?

How can I find a selection of screensavers for my desktop mac mini -- not the kind that comes with the software?  This is such a simple question, and yet I can't find an answer to it.  I think it's because people assume everyone knows certain things, and they don't.  Will an app from the app store that says it's for iphone work on my desktop? 

Mac mini, Mac OS X (10.6.8)

Posted on Apr 14, 2014 8:19 PM

Close

Q: Can I ask a very basic question?

  • All replies
  • Helpful answers

  • by Allan Eckert,

    Allan Eckert Allan Eckert Apr 14, 2014 8:26 PM in response to carol274
    Level 9 (53,581 points)
    Desktops
    Apr 14, 2014 8:26 PM in response to carol274

    Will an app from the app store that says it's for iphone work on my desktop?

     

    No. An app coded for the iPhone is coded to run in iOS

     

    In order for the app to run on your Desktop it must be coded to run in OS X

     

    Allan

  • by stevejobsfan0123,

    stevejobsfan0123 stevejobsfan0123 Apr 14, 2014 8:24 PM in response to carol274
    Level 8 (43,718 points)
    iPhone
    Apr 14, 2014 8:24 PM in response to carol274

    You can go to System Preferences > Desktop & Screen Saver > Screen Saver, and select one. If you want to use your own pictures, look on the right hand side, where it has a drop down menu for "Source," and choose the folder with the pictures you want to use.

     

    Will an app from the app store that says it's for iphone work on my desktop?

    No. Your Mac has an App Store of its own. I use an app that lets you use a video as a screensaver. Here's the app.

  • by Niel,

    Niel Niel Apr 14, 2014 8:25 PM in response to carol274
    Level 10 (312,625 points)
    Mac OS X
    Apr 14, 2014 8:25 PM in response to carol274

    1. Search the Mac App Store.

    2. iOS applications can't be run on a computer.

     

    (104834)

  • by Kappy,

    Kappy Kappy Apr 14, 2014 8:26 PM in response to carol274
    Level 10 (270,928 points)
    Desktops
    Apr 14, 2014 8:26 PM in response to carol274

    Software for the iPhone will not work on your desktop. But there are many different packages of screensavers around, but you have to look for them. Go to macupdate.com and do a search for "screensavers" or "screen savers" and you should find lots of possibilities. Searching Google is another idea you can try.