Abstract: A screensaver method and apparatus provides a communication system for a computer which allows a visitor to an office or workspace to leave an electronic message. A screensaver program is installed on a personal computer which provides a dialogue box on the display screen after a predetermined period of inactivity. The dialogue box includes areas for a computer user to provide instructions for visitors to the office to enter messages as well as places for the visitor to, through use of the mouse and keyboard, enter and transmit an e-mail message for the computer user. Once the message has been entered and the user transmits, the screensaver communications program converts the entered message and other information to a predetermined format and transmits it to the assigned destination address. The computer user who was absent may then upon return, remove the dialogue box from the screen and access the e-mail message.