Post by Derek L on May 3, 2007 8:59:52 GMT -6
Widgets are miniature programs that sit on your desktop. They're one-task wonders that don't hog your computer's resources. With simple designs, widgets don't leave you sifting through countless menu options.
Widgets are called gadgets in Windows Vista. You can load gadgets into Vista's new Windows Sidebar. If you're not using Vista yet, don't worry; there are ways to put widgets on older systems as well.
Vista has a handful of gadgets pre-installed to stir up interest. But some popular gadgets are extras available on the Windows Live Web site. gallery.live.com/default.aspx?l=1
Windows Live Gallery is host to dozens of gadgets made by Windows fans or professionals. A popular favorite is NGPOD (National Geographic Picture of the Day) gallery.live.com/liveItemDetail.aspx?li=a0c4f2b9-2f96-4daa-b5fc-b0af48b29cb2&l=1 . As you probably guessed, it shows National Geographic photos. See breathtaking views from around the world as you work. This gadget lets you e-mail its currently displayed photo with a click. You also can set the photo as your desktop background.
Another cool gadget is WeatherBug gallery.live.com/liveItemDetail.aspx?li=be391b66-3d65-461c-a86b-0b4e9b42deba&l=1 . Vista already includes a weather gadget, but it shows only the temperature. WeatherBug shows the current and high/low temperatures of the day. It also reports wind speed and direction for your area. It even includes a three-day forecast. Other features, such as satellite data and outdoor Webcams, take you to the WeatherBug Web site.
Windows versions old and new include a calculator. But, you have to root around the Start menu to get to it. A calculator gadget can sit on the desktop, handy whenever you need it. It's simply called Calculator gallery.live.com/liveItemDetail.aspx?li=d6152b70-2908-4176-b491-610c4f538bd4&l=1 .
There also are gadgets that can help you track information on eBay, Amazon, or your favorite financial site. Really, you should visit the Windows Live Gallery site for yourself. You're bound to see something interesting. gallery.live.com/default.aspx?l=1
Older systems can take advantage of widgets. For Windows XP or 2000, check out Yahoo! Widgets. Once known as Konfabulator, it's comparable to the gadgets built into Vista.
Because Yahoo! Widgets has a longer history, it has a much wider selection of widgets than does Windows Live Gallery. Yahoo! claims over 4,000! widgets.yahoo.com/