One of the easiest to use features of Windows Vista is the gadgets side bar. Gadgets are little little pieces of code packaged to integrate into the Vista operating system. There are a wide variety of gadgets that do many different tasks including displaying media, monitoring your operating system, organizing your personal information, handling email, and even performing internet search functions. With the virtual land rush of Web 2.0, Microsoft created it’s gadget platform to be a simple interface for developers to hook into and connect it’s users with other medium from within the operating system. Not all gadgets are created equal, and some are even borderline spammy/spyware laced.

Gadgets are only as great as the creators ability to code, because of this I would be careful which gadgets you use choose to download. Most gadgets are created by independent users in the Microsoft community. Some gadgets are created by Microsoft or other corporations to promote a product or service. Some of the gadgets I use are the photo slide show, calendar, Youtube YTV, iTunes, and CPU monitor. Since most of my gadget use has been a positive experience I am listing it as my second favorite thing about Windows Vista.

Gadgets are easy to download and install (usually), and can be found categorized on the Windows Live Gallery website. Configuring your gadgets is simple and easy to do. See the How do I install Windows Gadgets Post for more information. If you are a Windows Vista user and have not experimented with the desktop gadgets, go to the Microsoft website and try them for yourself!