A kitten licking the window of your phone. A dancing hula girl waves 'hello' each time you make a call. Animated screensavers can make a big difference in personalizing a phone'turning the dull greenish background of your mini-monitor into a tiny stage where favorite figures can 'perform'.

Unfortunately, wanting a screen saver and actually figuring out how to download one are two different things. Some mobile phone users complain that the hours they spent looking for the perfect animated screen saver were pretty much wasted when they couldn't get the file to work on their phone. What's the deal?

The first thing you need to do is to check your WAP settings. Your phone has to configured to receive information from the mobile internet. Usually you'll find the instructions in your phone's User Manual, or you can go to the website of your cell phone manufacturer and find their directions there. If all else fails, find the resident geek in your office or house and have him do it for you.

Now that you're WAP ready, go to the website (there are hundreds, even thousands, to choose from) that offers animated screen savers. Select the one you want to download. Depending on the website, you'll be told to input the model of your phone, your number'well, you know the drill. Just do what they tell you, but read the fine print as well, like privacy agreements and whether or not the song you like is actually in a format that's compatible with your phone unit.

Then, press download. Some websites, alternatively, will tell you to send an SMS containing the item code to the number displayed for your mobile operator. You'll receive confirmation that the transaction has been completed. Wait for your phone to beep. You'll get the displayService Settings Received'. Retrieve it, and then download. The item is on your phone now. (To know where to look for it, consult your User Manual or the information on your provider's website).

What if the wallpaper doesn't work? Be sure that it's in the right format. Static wallpapers are usually jpeg files, 176x220, and 72dpi (dots per inch). Animated screensavers have to be an animated gif. You can save these on your computer, relocate them onto your transflash card (accessing your pictures folder). Reinsert your card back and go to the folder. Then switch storage device, and apply as wallpaper.

Screensavers will be activated if you leave your phone open for an amount of time. Check your phone to change how many minutes (typical time is 1 to 2) before it kicks in.

Now many people get confused by the difference between a wallpaper and a theme. A wallpaper or animated screensaver is just the image that appears on the front screen when your phone is on but not in use. It does not affect your phone's fonts, colors, or all the other visuals on your phone (such as main menu or My Favorites). Themes, however, are a full package of related visuals. Download a theme, and you will get not only a wallpaper but a fully coordinated set of pictures and visual settings.