How to Organize Your Desktop Using Windows Vista

Is your computer desktop a wasteland of application icons and shortcuts that you never use? Do you have trouble finding needed applications or getting to desired Web sites quickly?

Not only is having a messy computer desktop frustrating, but it can also waste a lot of your valuable time. Fortunately, there is an easy answer to this problem. In fact, the solution is probably already on your computer desktop. You can use the Microsoft Windows Vista Sidebar to help you save time and to organize your computer desktop.

The Windows Vista Sidebar can be anchored to the left or right side of your computer desktop. It allows you to organize and access applications and Web sites quickly and easily with the use of software tools called "gadgets." Vista users should see the Sidebar automatically open, as this is the default. (If you have a version of Microsoft Windows Vista such as Windows 7 that doesn't use the sidebar, you can still add time-saving gadgets directly to your computer desktop and line them up along the side of your screen.)

There are gadgets to enable you to access and quickly search your favorite sites such as Facebook, eBay and Amazon. Others allow you to access common software applications such as your e-mail, calendar and photo programs. You can even use a gadget to check on the current traffic or weather conditions.

Adding Gadgets to Your Desktop

Simply follow the steps below to add gadgets:

1. First, remove the icons and shortcuts for any applications that you no longer use from your desktop. You can do this by dragging the icon or shortcut into your Recycle Bin.
2. Use the same method to remove any icons or shortcuts that were accidentally placed on your desktop.
3. Right-click on a blank section in your sidebar and click the Add Gadgets option. (If you are using Windows 7, right-click on the desktop and click the Gadgets option.) You will see the Gadget Gallery popup. These are the default gadgets that come with Windows Vista. (To find more gadgets, see the Fun Gadgets to Explore section below.)
   
4. Double-click on a gadget that you would like to add to your sidebar. The gadget should automatically appear in your sidebar or on your desktop. (There is a charge for some gadgets, but most gadgets are available free of charge.)
5. Repeat the process until you have all of the gadgets that you want in your sidebar or on your desktop.
6. Now remove the icons for any applications that you have found gadgets for. Use the drag and drop process to place them in the Recycle Bin.

Your computer desktop now contains only icons and shortcuts for those applications that you use regularly. Your sidebar contains only the gadgets that you just selected. You can now find what you need at a glance!

What if you can't find a gadget for the application or Web page that you use most often? No problem. The Windows Vista Gadget Gallery has instructions that help you create your own gadget, or you can leave a gadget request for developers.

Fun Gadgets to Explore

Some fun gadgets that you might enjoy include:

• Sudoku puzzles
• Upcoming Outlook appointments
• MyFacebook
• YouTube
• eBay auction tool
• The Weather Channel
• Windows Vista Gallery
  

Sources:

Windows Vista Gallery

Explore the features: Windows Sidebar and Gadgets

Top 10 Vista sidebar gadgets

How to Add a Gadget to the Windows Sidebar