Protecting Laptop monitor

I occasionally leave my laptop on for extended periods of time. I don't want to shut it down or go into standby/hibernate, because I have programs scheduled to run. What is the best way to protect the monitor? Seems like I have three choices:

1) screensaver
2) power option that shuts down the monitor
3) do nothing because it isn't necessary

What should I do?

Thanks,
Len

 

Which OS are you using? Presuming you are using Windows, in the hardware section of the control panel there's a option to turn off the display after a given time (saves more energy than using a screensaver)

 

Yes, windows on two laptops - one with vista and one with XP. So you are recommending my second choice. Thanks for the advice.