I have participated in BOINC for many years now, but I have never been able to figure out how to make it only run as a screensaver. In other words, how can I keep it from running in the background and taking up substantial CPU? I don't want to have to do any programming or anything. I just want a simple way to set some option so that it does not run unless the screensaver should be running.

Thanks!

Based on the preferences of BOINC 7.6.6, at this date the recommended version.

BOINC Manager->Options->Computing preferences.

Make sure that these are checked:
Suspend when computer is in use
When using advanced preferences, also check Suspend GPU computing when computer is in use

At 'In use' means mouse/keyboard input in last N minutes set the amount to 3 minutes.
OK to save the changes.

Next, right-click on the desktop.
Click Personalize, select Screen Saver, and select BOINC.
At Wait set 3 minutes
Click Apply
Click OK

Next go sit and twiddle your thumbs for 3 minutes. If all is well, after the three minutes, BOINC will continue calculations and any paused transfers, and the screen saver will start. It may happen that the screen saver shows temporarily that BOINC isn't running, but wait a minute here. It'll change.

---