Windows Sidebar and gadgets

Gadgets are mini programs that give you information at a glance and provide access to frequently used tools. Windows Sidebar helps you to organize your gadgets.
Windows Sidebar

Windows Sidebar is a pane on the side of the Microsoft Windows Vista desktop where you can keep your gadgets organized and always available.

You can customize Windows Sidebar to suit your preferred location—always on top or resting below maximized windows.


*Accessibility
*BitLocker Drive Encryption
*Built-in Diagnostics
*DirectX 10
*Encrypting File System
*Explorers
*Flip and Flip 3D
*Games Explorer
*Internet Explorer 7 in Windows Vista
*Internet Explorer 7 Printing
*Internet Explorer 7 Tabbed Browsing
*Internet Explorer Dynamic Security Protection
*Internet Explorer Parental Controls
*Internet Explorer Protected Mode
*Live Icons
*Microsoft Phishing Filter in Internet Explorer
*Network and Sharing Center
*Network Diagnostics and Troubleshooting
*Networking
*Parental Controls
*Performance
*Photo Gallery
*Remote Access
*Remote Desktop Connection
*Search and Organization
*Search Folders
*Self-Healing System
*Shadow Copy
*Sleep and Resume
*SuperFetch
*Sync Center
*Tablet PC Support
*User Account Control
*Welcome Center
*Windows Aero
*Windows Backup and Restore Center
*Windows Calendar
*Windows Calendar Publishing
*Windows Defender
*Windows DVD Maker
*Windows Easy Transfer
*Windows Experience Index
*Windows Fax and Scan
*Windows Firewall
*Windows Mail
*Windows Media Center
*Windows Media Player 11
*Windows Meeting Space
*Windows Mobility Center
*Windows Movie Maker
*Windows ReadyBoost
*Windows Security Center
*Windows Sidebar and Gadgets
*Windows SideShow
*Windows Speech Recognition
*Windows Update
*Windows Vista Ultimate Extras
*Wireless Networking
*XPS Documents
* By category
* Alphabetical
Internet Explorer 7 in Windows Vista
*Internet Explorer Dynamic Security Protection
*Network and Sharing Center
*Networking
*Remote Desktop Connection
*Sync Center
*Windows Calendar Publishing
*Windows Fax and Scan
*Windows Mail
*Wireless Networking
*DirectX 10
*Games Explorer
*Photo Gallery
*Windows DVD Maker
*Windows Media Center
*Windows Media Player 11
*Windows Movie Maker
*Windows Sidebar and Gadgets
*Windows Vista Ultimate Extras
Gadgets

Gadgets are mini applications with a variety of possible uses. They can connect to web services to deliver business data, weather information, news updates, traffic maps, Internet radio streams, and even slide shows of online photo albums. Gadgets can also integrate with other programs to provide streamlined interaction.

Windows Vista comes with an essential set of gadgets to get you started, and you can also download more.