AdventuresInVista
Hints, Tips & Tricks for Microsoft Windows Vista

Sidebar Sunday - Downloading Sidebar Gadgets
13 July 2008 in Help & Tips & Sidebar Sunday | Comments enabled

In response to some email conversations regarding the Windows Vista Sidebar and it’s possible uses, I’ve decided to launch a new regular feature here on AdventuresInVista called “Sidebar Sunday”.

The idea is simple - to give you a heads up on some of the latest and most useful gadgets for your Vista Sidebar, available across the web.

This week, I thought I’d give a brief introduction to downloading and installing Sidebar gadgets from the Windows Live Gallery.

Microsoft’s Windows Live Gallery contains many free downloads including Sidebar gadgets, MSN display pictures and emoticons, games, and much more. You can get straight to the Vista Sidebar gadgets by visiting http://gallery.microsoft.com/sidebar/vista.mspx.

As you can see, there are many gadgets available. To install simply click the “DOWNLOAD” button, and you may be presented with the following popup…

This occurs for sidebar gadgets submitted by users. It’s up to you whether you take the risk with these, but I’ve not noticed any problems. If you’re happy, click “Install”. Next, you’ll see the following…

This is just a typical File Download dialog, so click “Open” to install immediately, or “Save” to keep it for later.

If you chose open, you may receive another dialog similar to the following…

Confirm installation, and your shiny new sidebar gadget will be installed immediately…

And that’s it! Your experience may be slightly different, depending on whether you’re an Administrator (if not, you may see an additional User Account Control dialog), but that’s the basic process.

Of course, there are many gadgets available on the net. Try this Google search for example…
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=vista+sidebar+gadgets&meta=

From now on, I’ll post a regular Sidebar Sunday feature showcasing a great Vista Sidebar gadget. I have a number of gadgets I’d like to show you, but why not share your favourite gadgets in the comments?!

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