I leave my computer on all the time supported by a UPS and a sleep mode. The exceptions are if I plan to be away for a day or so or there is an approaching electrical storm. Screen savers are an excellent feature for businesses to use to help sell their computers. For the individual, the screen saver is a memory-gobbling piece of junk. If you are having trouble with program crashes you might consider not using screen savers except for special occasions.
Screen savers can be very interesting and beautiful but they have some faults too.
Well probably so, but the best way to protect your screen is to turn off the monitor at the surge bar when you plan to be away for a while. The monitor needs to be turned off any time you are away from the computer for a significant period of time. It is important however to plug the monitor into a separate surge bar so it can be turned on an off independent of all other equipment. Do not constantly use the monitor switch or you may soon be looking an expensive replacement. If you use the little surge bar to turn the monitor on and off, and i f it burns out, it can be replaced for a few dollars.