A screen shot of the Windows Vista Sidebar with four gadgets.
In addition to some cosmetic changes, the Desktop in Windows Vista sports two new features:
Windows Sidebar
Windows Sidebar is a new feature in Windows Vista that provides you with quick access to information through gadgets. The sidebar is usually displayed on the side of the desktop, but you can configure the gadgets to appear on top of other windows or in different locations if desired.
Windows Gadgets
Gadgets are mini-applications that have many purposes. In the screen shot above, four gadgets are displayed in the Sidebar - a calculator, a clock, a RSS reader, and a currency converter. The gadgets provide you with information or tools that you use frequently, allowing your computer use to become more efficient. Windows Vista comes with several gadgets you can install, or you can find additional gadgets available on the Internet. As Windows Vista is adopted by computer users, you can expect to find more gadgets available.
