Useful desktop gadgets for Windows 7
Windows Gadgets are small useful programs originally meant for the Windows Sidebar in Vista. While they can still be installed and operational in latest Windows 7, the sidebar itself is no longer used and the feature is simply called Windows Gadgets.
Basic gadgets can be installed with simply right-click anywhere on the desktop and selecting gadgets from the context menu. Beyond those Microsoft provided gadgets, there are tons of other one that can be downloaded from internet and installed.
We have covered installing of Windows gadgets in another of our articles, but in this article we will show you some of the more useful or interesting gadgets, which can give you useful features, enhance your computer experience, or are simply fun to use.
Popular Windows Gadgets
Ultimate Explorer
The Ultimate Explorer gadget allows users to search 50 different websites conveniently directly from desktop in a single compact tool. Search Amazon, Google, YouTube, Yahoo, Wikipedia, eBay, your favorite social networking sites, WoW sites, news, and more!
Language Translator
Language Translator is a handy translation gadget that supports variety of languages. Really helpful when quick translations are needed. Language Translator supports 43 languages for both-way translations.
Sidechirp
Sidechirp is an excellent tool to help you keep up with Twitter messages on your sidebar. It is is a quick and easy to use Twitter client designed to bring you the updates from friends, family, and random internet people you crave,without having to load up the website.
QuickLaunch
Quick Launch allows users to drag, drop, and add shortcuts, files, folders, bookmarks, almost anything at all onto the gadget for easy launch. Quick Launch is a great gadget for the casual and power user alike.
SkypeGadget
SkypeGadget is an excellent and compact gadget for users that use Skype a lot. Minimalistic design which retains all needed options of default Skype client.
Clipboard Manager
Clipboard Manager is great gadget that extend the features and usability of basic Windows clipboard, such as reusing of older items in clipboard, or time stamping.
Facebook Explorer
With the Facebook Explorer gadget, users can check for new messages and friend activity quickly and easily as well as comment and like items in their news feed.
Network Meter
This excellent Network Meter gadget can show you many useful data about your connections or perform various actions, including SSID, signal quality, IP address, External IP address, IP lookup with Google Maps, Speed test, upload speed, download speed and total of usage.
Countdown
Countdown lets users set and track up to 20 custom countdowns at one time with options to set additional notes and play sounds upon completion.
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