It's no secret to us here at SmileyBuzz headquarters that people can become obsessed with their computer wallpapers and screensavers. It's one of the reasons we devote so much time to designing and compiling the best collection of free wallpapers you'll ever find on our Popular Screensavers site.

So when Engadget, one of our favorite blogs, called our attention to the story of one Vanity Fair editor who found himself on a quixotic quest in search of the origins of this popular wallpaper image - which is bundled with the Windows XP system software - we just had to check it out. 

The full Vanity Fair story by Nick Tosches is a great read for anyone who ever wonders about the stories and places behind those breathtaking images that grace our desktops. The journey starts as a simple question regarding the origin of the photo, but turns into a quest that engulfs friends, tourism officers and even a mysterious message that may or may not have been from Bill Gates. The article reminds us just how complicated even the simplest questions have become.

And if you happen to have any questions concerning the locations and photographers of any of the lovely images you'll find among our nature screensavers collection, don't contact us. I'm afraid we'll likely just make something up. Or tell you to email Bill Gates, of course.