ZMatrix for Windows

Used ZMatrix for Windows?

Editors’ Review

Download.com staffApril 6, 2020

Fans of The Matrix may get a kick out of downloading this animated desktop background. ZMatrix displays a stream of characters pouring down your monitor. The program sits in your system tray awaiting a right click to access its configurations. You can adjust the numbers, speed, and refresh rate of matrix streams. You can also change the font, background, and foreground color. The program gives the same character-streaming effects seen in the movie. Best of all, it lets you configure it to have the smallest amount of CPU time, halting any possible reduction in your computer's speed. ZMatrix can run as a desktop background and as a screensaver. Fans of the movie and screensaver junkies will love this free program.

ZMatrix for Windows

Used ZMatrix for Windows?

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Full Specifications

GENERAL

Release: May 14, 2003

Latest update: April 6, 2020

Version: 1.4.8

OPERATING SYSTEMS

Platform: Windows

Operating System

Windows 10
Windows XP
Windows 2000

Additional Requirements: Windows 2000/XP

POPULARITY

Total Downloads: 194,822

Downloads Last Week: 1

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Last Updated

User Reviews

4.1/5

45 User Votes

good, but only for the recommended OS
Regalia17May 25, 2013
Pros
the concept is good.
Cons
only good when installed in the recommended OS.
Summary
this program was created in the early 2000s, when computers run Windows 2000 & XP. the creator doesn't create this program compatible in OS later than Windows XP. when my computer still runs Windows XP, the program runs as a service, which can be seen automatically in my desktop. now, i use Windows 7, and it runs as individual program, not a service. it bothers me a lot to switch to this program only to enjoy it, when before, i got this program installed as a service.
uninstalled it
nickrussoOctober 17, 2011
Pros
Easy to install/uninstall
Cons
Took huge amount of power as soon as it started--mouse sluggish, thought it was going to crash. Characters much too small, covers icons and desktop when in desktop mode, even hides taskbar, you have to press Win key to get it back. Tried tweaking it when I found the options, still not useable. Using Win 7 Pro x64 w/ 8 GB RAM, AMD 2.5 GHz X4 processor.
Summary
Too good to be true...
Best of class
earthbasedOctober 2, 2011
Pros
Easy to install and use
Cons
I havn't used it log enough to have any problems
Summary
Of all the Matrix screensavers I downloaded, this one is certainly the most fun. I really am impressed
Works great
tattooedandrudeSeptember 25, 2010
Pros
This works well with as my screensaver and animated background. Free is always nice.
Cons
Characters are way small, bout it.
Summary
it is useless.
pipster58July 10, 2010
Pros
i don't like it at all.
Cons
it confused me.
Summary
Really cool concept. Not the Matrix.
JediGamerMarch 24, 2010
Pros
I like the concept and how this screen saver works showing through the symbol trails. The authors had a great idea when they created it and it works quite nicely. The saver has a ton of configurations which is nice.
Cons
It isn't really a Matrix screen saver. More like a Matrix style screen saver.
Summary
If you really dig the Matrix style computer symbols but don't care if they look like the movie and have a ton of time to configure The Matrix get this one and see what you can do with it. The symbols are not identical to the Matrix which was a real bummer for me. So I went onto the next one. I don't need 8 Matrix screen savers on my computer.
I enjoy its simplicity.
ckwbutchMarch 17, 2010
Pros
Easy to use, easy to move. Simple to start and stop.
Cons
For what it is, no cons.
Summary
Great even if you didn't like the movies
nytmageMarch 8, 2010
Pros
Works with back ground image nicely .... plus ability to mod just about every way color font size speed clean up all except ....
Cons
....can't change direction
Summary
no probs what so ever would recommend to all
Great program
shadowsofsalemAugust 22, 2009
Pros
love the way you can have it as both a screen saver and desktop and can even have a pic in the desktop even with the matrix system on your desk top and still see the pic...
Cons
only problem I had was trying to find a cool pic that would look good with the matrix program on the desktop but that can hardly be held against the program its self
Summary
if you like the matrix code from the movie you will love this program, font is small and don't jump around in a unusual way when the font changes. I give its creators props for taking the time to create a great program. I have not experienced any thing to speak negatively about this program for as picky as I am with things I have downloaded I rated it a full 5 stars! I would highly suggest this program for those who love the matrix code from the movie.
CNET says it's spyware free so it's good to go.
Drucifer_21May 17, 2009
Pros
Very nice effects. Full customizing availability.
Cons
BIG problem using screensaver option, even viewing a screensaver preview.
Summary
If you decide to download zmatrix; be sure to set your screensaver to activate at 9999 minutes. DO NOT preview screensaver or the program completely covers your screen (very funny... ha ha). If you do, you will probably have to shutdown your computer manually (pushing the button on your tower). I ended the program with the task manager, which was very difficult to do with the streaming characters covering my screen. Other than this, I had no problems with the program and decided not to uninstall it. I always trust CNET's spyware free indication.

Developer’s Description

Add this <i>Matrix</i>-style streaming character image to your desktop.

ZMatrix is a desktop enhancement tool that creates the streaming character effect of 'The Matrix' on your desktop. The program will blend with an existing background or be drawn over the top of it. Also, the program does not impede normal desktop operations. The program now has multi-monitor support and a screensaver mode. Turn off Active Desktop before using this application.