Using Windows Sidebar
Windows Sidebar (New!) is a pane on the side of the Windows Vista desktop that gives you quick access to gadgets such as news headlines and updates, slide shows, weather information, traffic maps, Internet radio streams, and slide shows of online photo albums. Gadgets are mini-applications that can connect to Web services, such as an RSS feed (which automatically delivers Web content to your desktop), or integrate with many of your applications, such as viewing your calendar. You can customize Windows Sidebar to suit the way you work—whether you want it always on top or resting below maximized windows. You can also move gadgets off the Windows Sidebar and place them anywhere on your desktop. Windows Vista comes with a set of gadgets to get you started. However, you can easily download more gadgets from an online gadget gallery.
Work with the Sidebar
Open the Sidebar. Right-click the Sidebar icon in the notification area, and then click Open.
Close the Sidebar. Right-click the Sidebar, and then click Close Sidebar.
Close a Gadget. Point to the gadget you want to close, click the Close button, and then click Close Gadget (if requested).
Change Gadget Options. Point to the gadget you want to change, click the Options button (wrench icon), select the options you want, and then click OK.
Move a Gadget. Point to the gadget, and then drag it to another location on the Sidebar or to the desktop.
Did You Know?You can download more gadgets. Right-click a blank area of the Sidebar, click Properties, and then click Get more gadgets online to open the gadget Web site and download more gadgets. |
Add a Gadget
Point to the plus sign (+) at the top of the Sidebar, and then click the button.
Double-click the gadget you want to add.
When you’re done, click the Close button.
Point to blank area in the Sidebar.
Clear the 
Click 