How to Add a Gadget to the Windows Vista Sidebar

Windows Vista provides a Sidebar that is displayed to the right or left of the Desktop and can be hidden behind applications or remain on top. It runs "gadgets" that can perform any number of tasks. An ever increasing number of gadgets are available to show system performance, access music, video and other information and connect to outside resources such as forums, RSS feeds and music stores.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Windows Vista

1. Log into Vista. Use an account to which you want to add a gadget to the Sidebar.
2. Make sure that the Sidebar is running. If not, then hit the Start button and type "Sidebar" in the Search field. Click on the "Windows Sidebar" link that appears at the top of the search window.
3. Add a local gadget. Right-click on the Sidebar and select "Add Gadgets." Left-click on one of the listed gadgets and drag it to the Sidebar. Click on the wrench icon to configure the gadget, if necessary.
4. Select a gadget from the online Gallery. In the "Add Gadgets" dialog, click on "Get more gadgets online." Search through the list of available gadgets and click on the desired gadget name link. On the gadget description page, click on the "Download" button, then on "Install" in the resulting dialog. Click "Open" to download the gadget and install it in your gadgets list. If an Internet Explorer dialog appears asking to verify the install, select "Allow."
5. Accept unverified gadgets. If a gadget is from a source other than Microsoft and has not been verified, a dialog will appear giving you the choice to continue with the installation. If you are comfortable with the gadget's developer, click "Install."
6. Drag the new gadget to the Sidebar. Left-click on the newly installed gadget and drag it to the Sidebar. Select the wrench icon to configure the gadget, if necessary.

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