The Complete Guide to Windows Gadgets

Windows 7 introduces many new features and updates to existing features. One exciting feature of Windows 7 is gadgets. Gadgets are desktop tools you can use to keep up to date on weather, news, tasks and other items of interests. Gadgets aren't just for work. Many gadgets are available to add a little fun to your desktop.

How to Access Gadgets?

Right click any empty section of your desktop. Select "Gadgets." All your currently installed gadgets are listed. Alternately, you can click the start globe at the bottom of the screen and choose "Desktop Gadgets Gallery" from the "All Programs" list.

How to Use Gadgets?

Before you can actually use a gadget, you must place it on your desktop. Place your mouse cursor over the gadget of your choice. Single click the gadget and drag it to your desktop. You can rearrange the placement at any time. If you want to know more about a gadget before adding it, click the "Show Details" button at the bottom of the gadgets window to view a description of a selected gadget.

Once a gadget has been added, right click it to view additional customization options. Choose "Options." For instance, on the Clock gadget, you can choose different clock faces, time schemes and add a clock name. Press "OK" to save any changes you make. Changes will appear as soon as you close the options dialog box.

If you no longer want a gadget on your desktop, hover your mouse over the gadget or single click it. Click the "X" that appears to the side of the gadget. Confirm that you want to remove the gadget. This only removes the gadget from your desktop. You can re-add at any point.

Depending on your gadget, when you right click it or press the wrench button, you can resize the the gadget to better fit your needs. Choose the size you want to resize it. You can also choose the opacity or transparency of your gadget. This is especially useful if you need to layer gadgets for any reason or need to see icons behind the gadget.

How to Find More Gadgets?

By default, only certain gadgets are installed, such as the Clock, Calendar, Picture Puzzle and Slide Show. From the main gadgets window, press the "Get more gadgets online" link at the bottom right of the screen.

Browse the available gadgets listed on Microsoft's website. For additional gadgets, visit the Windows Live Gallery, which features gadgets like Facebook and Twitter for social networking and Pandora for music junkies.

Press "Get Now" or "Download" under any gadget to download it. Follow any instructions provided with the gadget to install it. It will then appear in the gadgets window for you to add to your desktop whenever convenient.

Considerations

Before you download a new gadget, read the description carefully. Some gadgets are optimized for Windows Vista, while others are optimized for Windows 7. Many gadgets work on both operating systems while some only work on one or the other.

Another consideration is start up time. The more gadgets on your desktop, the slower your computer may start and even shut down. This is common issue with Windows operating systems. The more items on your desktop, the more your operating system must load during the boot process before loading your desktop.

Are Gadgets Worth It?

Gadgets are fun and informative. The best thing to keep in mind is if you don't want or need the gadget, remove it from your desktop. You can always put it back if you decide you need it later. Gadgets are a great way to personalize your desktop with all the information you want and need in one place.