Native gadgets for windows 7. What is a gadget and what is a widget

28.12.2009 03:49

Gadgets (widgets) are small programs that display a variety of information on the Windows 7 desktop.

How gadgets work in Windows 7

A gadget, like a web page, consists of graphic images and files written in HTML, JavaScript and CSS. Therefore, to display gadgets, it is necessary that at least one browser is installed on the system. Windows 7 pre-installed (standard) gadgets require a browser to work Internet Explorer. Some gadgets (such as the Weather) require an Internet connection, while others may work offline (such as the Clock).

The installation file of the mini-application is a regular zip archive with the extension .gadget. For a gadget to appear on the desktop, it must be installed and running.

To install the widget, double click on installation package gadget. The widget will then be added to the Gadgets Gallery, from where you can add it to your desktop.

The Desktop Gadgets Gallery is a panel that displays all installed gadgets. The operation of this panel is provided by the application sidebar.exe located in the folder %ProgramFiles%\Windows Sidebar.

To open the Desktop Gadgets Gallery, click right click mouse on the desktop and in the appeared context menu select Gadgets.

Adding Gadgets to the Desktop

2. Double-click one of the suggested gadgets.

Gadget Menu

When you hover your mouse over a gadget, a small menu appears to the right of it.

Depending on the features of the gadget, this menu may contain buttons close(removes the gadget from the Windows desktop), Options(displays additional settings on the screen), The size, moving.

Removing a Gadget

1. To remove a gadget from the collection, right-click on the desktop and select Gadgets.

2. Right-click on the widget you want to uninstall and select Delete.

After that, the widget will not be available in the Gadget Collection.

Recovering deleted gadgets

To restore all default windows gadgets 7:

1. Open the Control Panel, set the view to "Category".

2. Click .

3. Section Desktop Gadgets click Restoring Desktop Gadgets Installed by Windows.

To restore a deleted third-party gadget, simply install it again.

Turn the Gadgets feature on or off

Gadgets are enabled by default in Windows 7. You can disable the installation, viewing, and adding of gadgets to the desktop using Windows Components in the Control Panel and using the Local Area Editor. group policy(only for Windows 7 Professional, Windows 7 Ultimate and Windows 7 Enterprise).

• Enable or disable gadgets using the control panel

1. Open Control Panel (Large Icons View) > Programs and Features.

2. From the left menu, select Turn Windows features on or off.

3. To turn off the Gadgets feature, uncheck Windows gadget platform. To enable Gadgets, check this box.

4. Restart your computer.

• Enable or disable gadgets using the Local Group Policy Editor

1. Open the Start menu, type in search string and press Enter .

2. Take the desired action:

• To turn off the gadgets feature for your account, in the left menu of the Local Group Policy Editor, open Politics " local computer» > User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components> Desktop Gadgets .

• To disable the Gadgets feature for all users of a computer, from the left menu of the Local Group Policy Editor, open Local Computer Policy > Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Desktop Gadgets, on the right side of the Local Group Policy Editor window, double-click the Disable desktop gadgets.

3. Select Turn on and press OK.

If this setting is enabled, desktop gadgets will be disabled. If this setting is disabled or not set, desktop widgets will be enabled.

4. Restart your computer.

Creating Your Own Windows Gadgets

If you are familiar with programming languages ​​such as HTML and JavaScript, as well as cascading tables css styles, you can check out Donavan West's Windows Gadgets tutorial. The guide has been translated into Russian. Although this guide focuses on creating gadgets for Windows Vista, it covers the general principles of creating gadgets that are necessary to understand this process.

1. Gadgets in Windows 7 can be freely moved with the left mouse button within the desktop. To move gadgets closer together, press and hold the Shift key while moving the gadget.

2. So that the gadget is always displayed on top of all open windows, right-click on it, and from the context menu that appears, select On top of other windows.

3. To hide all active widgets, right-click on the Windows 7 desktop, select View and uncheck Display desktop gadgets. To show the gadgets again, select this checkbox.

4. To bring all active gadgets to the front, press the combination Windows keys+G.

5. To adjust the transparency of a gadget, right-click on it and set the opacity level.

Windows 7 Preinstalled Gadgets

Windows 7 comes with nine pre-installed gadgets (widgets):

• Windows Media Center

This gadget is a user-friendly, customizable dashboard Windows startup media center.

• Currency

When connected to the Internet, the Currency gadget displays the value of the currencies selected by the user, as determined by MSN Money providers. In total, the gadget can display from 2 to 4 currencies. This gadget requires an Internet connection to work.

To add currency, click the + in the lower right corner of the gadget. To remove currency, move the mouse pointer over it and in the right upper corner click the red cross.

To change currency, click its name and select the required currency from the list that appears.

• Puzzle

Jigsaw Gadget is a puzzle game. Internet connection is not required for the gadget to work.

To view the picture you want to collect, click the "?" at the top of the widget.

To automatically collect or shuffle the mosaic, click the arrow icon in the upper right corner of the gadget.

The timer can be paused by clicking on the clock in the upper left corner of the gadget.

To change the picture, right-click the widget and select Options.

• Feed news headlines

This gadget allows you to view news feed headlines (RSS feeds) without launching a browser (however, an Internet connection is required). The gadget displays news only from those sites whose RSS feeds are added to Internet browser explorer. To view or change the list of RSS feeds, open Internet Explorer > Favorites > Channels Tab.

Any RSS feed you add to Internet Explorer will become available for display in the Feed News Headlines gadget. For example, you can add our feed to always know when there is a new article on our site. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Launch the Internet Explorer browser.

2. Enter in address bar address of our RSS feed: http://www.website/feed/ and press Enter .

3. Click Subscribe to this channel.

• CPU indicator

The CPU Gauge gadget displays RAM (right) and CPU (left) usage in real time. Additional settings does not have. Internet connection is not required for the widget to work.

• Calendar

Parameters and using the "..." button, select the desired folder.

Here you can also adjust the speed of changing the picture and select one of the transition effects from one image to another.

By default, images rotate in the order they are sorted in the folder. You can change the sequence of images in the gadget to random by checking the "Images in random order" checkbox.

The Clock gadget can display the time in any time zone known to the Windows operating system. To have the Clock gadget display a time other than the default in OS settings, right-click the widget and select Options. On the gadget settings page, select the desired time zone and click OK.

To display the time on the desktop in several time zones (like in the mission control center), launch the Clock gadget as many times as necessary and set the desired time zone in each time.

Also on the settings page, you can select appearance gadget "Clock" and even give the clock a name that will be displayed on the watch face.

Download Gadgets for Windows 7

There are many sites on the Internet offering gadget downloads. Because Windows 7 is a new operating system, at the time of this writing, many of the gadgets available for download are written for Windows Vista. Most of them work quite well under Windows 7, but their functionality may change. At the same time, gadgets written for Windows 7 may not be compatible with Vista.

When downloading third-party gadgets, you should pay attention to the bit depth and availability. Gadgets built for Windows 7 32-bit may not work on Windows 7 64-bit. Gadgets without digital signature may not install or work correctly in Windows 7. In addition, unscrupulous publishers distribute viruses and other malware under the guise of gadgets. Therefore, we strongly recommend that you download gadgets only from trusted sites.

Windows 7 components

Widgets for desktop Windows table 7 or 10 provide users great amount opportunities, allowing you to rationally set up your workspace. In general, in the system from Microsoft they are called gadgets. And before we move on to how to put widgets on your Windows 7 or 10 desktop, there are a few things you need to know.

The fact is that this feature is available by default only for users of the seven from Home Basic to Professional version. But dozens of users will have to sweat a little to install gadgets, since live tiles have come to replace them in this version of the operating system. Essentially, they perform the same function as widgets. Therefore, try using Windows 10 stationary conditions first. If you still want to try something new, then we will tell you how to do it.

Windows 7

So, if you are a fan of desktop widgets and a user of any version of the operating Windows systems 7, then you are lucky. Because it will be very easy for you to install gadgets: just right-click anywhere on the desktop (PC), select "Gadgets" and move any one you like to PC. It's easier than ever, isn't it?

Windows 10

Users of dozens will have to resort to the help of additional third party applications. The most popular program today is Windows Desktop Gadgets, which can be downloaded from http://gadgetsrevived.com/download-sidebar/. After that, you will have the same tab as the users of the seven. That is, the instructions will continue to be the same. Another application, but with more functionality called 8GadgetPack. It is available for download on the official website of the developer http://8gadgetpack.net/. Compared to the previous program, this one is not fully translated into Russian. But if this is not a problem for you, then this download option will be better.

Results

Now you know how to enable widgets on your desktop (for example, weather). The system includes the following gadgets:

1. Currency. Provides information about the exchange rate of major currencies in real time. That is, everything that you see in the zone of the golden map with a map of the world is the last one on this moment information. The gadget requires an internet connection to work.
2. Puzzle. This is a cool mini-game, the purpose of which is to assemble a puzzle from a picture. The default is a colorful picture with a bird. You need to move the squares in such a way as to restore the original drawing. In the widget settings, you can choose any of eleven images. After you start moving the squares, the countdown will start at the top. Then you can compete with friends, set your own records.
3. News headlines. This gadget also requires an internet connection. It shows data from RSS feeds to which the user of the system has subscribed. It turns out that from now on you will always be aware of latest news, the theme of which you choose yourself.
4. CPU indicator. Here the CPU is CPU. The widget shows its load as a percentage. That is, you can track how clogged your computer or laptop is and even evaluate which programs load the processor the most during the startup and operation of which programs.

1. Calendar. The essence of this widget does not need to be explained: it's just a pretty calendar that shows the months, day of the week, year (in general, everything you need to not get lost in time).
2. Weather. The gadget provides latest information about the weather where you are. In the settings, you can either set the desired city yourself, or set up automatic location detection.
3. Slideshow. In fact, this widget is a kind of photo frame on the Windows 7 or 10 desktop. In the settings, you can set the time interval with which the pictures will change, as well as select an image library for the slide show.
4. And last but not least, the clock. Oddly enough, they show the time. In the options, you can choose one of eight types of clocks that best suit the design of your desktop.

Have fun, dear friends! Do not forget to share your opinion in the comments: tell us which of the widgets is the most useful for you. For many, this is the Weather gadget.

The word "gadget" came to us from the English "gadget", translated as "device, device". Such a device can be seen in the figure on the left - a fan with a clock that connects to a laptop via.

Currently, gadgets include any digital devices, the size of which allows them to be connected to personal computer, smartphone or put on your hand.

Gadgets are compact and designed to perform specific, highly specialized tasks. Distinctive feature gadgets is that they are novelty, that is, an unusual, creative solution to certain problems in comparison with the available standard technologies.

Often gadgets cannot work on their own, their main task is to expand functionality devices to which they are connected. I want to note that to call gadgets all "advanced" technological devices, such as, for example, a tablet, electronic book or , would not be entirely correct.

After all, these devices may well work in offline without connecting to any other device. Therefore, on the one hand, they are gadgets, and on the other hand, they do not quite fall under the category of gadgets. Such is the confusion associated with the release of a large number of new gadgets and, especially, with space speed their appearance.

More specifically, what is a gadget?

I must say right away that there is no catalog or list of devices that are gadgets. There are also no standards for gadgets. In general, gadget manufacturers are trying "with all their might", as they say, "who is in what much."

Here are some examples of gadgets:

• ipod,
• Mp3 player,
• digital camera,
• smartphone,
• communicator,
• a lot of useful, as well as useless, comic, "cool" devices connected to a computer through USB port, and so on.

USB gadgets

These are small devices that connect via a USB port. I do not include such devices as USB gadgets (which have already become familiar to many) such as a keyboard, mouse, printer, external hard disk, although they all connect to the computer, usually via USB.

I will give examples of USB gadgets, which, alas, do not always perform their functionality in good faith:

• mug with heater from USB,
• USB ashtray,
• USB mini-fridge (for example, to cool one can of drink),
• USB vacuum cleaner for keyboard from crumbs and dust,
• USB heated mouse pad,
• USB heated foot mat,
• heated USB slippers
• USB backlight for keyboard,
• USB mouse on finger
• USB stand for laptop,
• USB fan, etc.

iPod as an example of a gadget

I'll tell you a little more about such a gadget as the iPod - small device to listen to music and audio files in good quality. The idea was to combine HDD with a processor in a compact form for listening to music.

To work with the iPod is used iTunes programs, which is pre-installed for free on a computer from the official website. When connecting an iPod to a computer, this program allows you to synchronize music (more precisely, any audio files) on the computer and on the iPod. You can download new music files to your iPod, delete them, and do other necessary actions.

It is possible to charge via USB from a computer, then charging the iPod depends on the presence of a computer. Or you can use standalone Charger, with which the iPod is charged through a regular 220V socket.

iPod provides an opportunity not only to listen to music, audio books and audio casts, but also to use the organizer, listen to FM radio, watch video clips. True, I find it difficult to say what can be seen in a video clip on a tiny iPod screen, but if manufacturers have included this feature, it means that someone needs it.

What is a widget?

The formula computer = hard + software is known (or in Russian:). In accordance with this formula, or perhaps according to the Russian tradition, “we wanted the best, but it turned out as usual”, but for some reason, on the Internet, the word “gadget” is used not only in relation to hard (hardware), but also in relation to software (software).

That is, gadgets are found in various programs software (there they are also called widgets) in the form of applications that facilitate the work of users. Widgets provide various kinds of information, for example:

• weather forecast,
• Exchange Rates,
• time,
• date and so on.

Widgets can also be:

• alarm clock
• calendar,
• notebook,
• show the current state of the computer, etc.

In general, widgets are everything that allows you to as soon as possible get the information you personally need without using a browser to search for this information on the Internet.

Widgets are sometimes called informers (Russian version), which more clearly reflects the essence of such small programs. Words borrowed from of English language(in this case- widgets), more accurately express this or that concept, but for "" they often serve as a barrier to the perception of information.

If I were asked again what a gadget and widget are and what they are for, I would answer that a gadget is a small electronic device to bring variety and convenience to everyday life, and a widget is a small program for quick access to frequently used information. Although there is no consensus on the use of the new terms "gadget" and "widget" yet. In time, perhaps everything will fall into place.

Widgets can also include applications, small programs that perform highly specialized functions and expand the capabilities of the main program.

On this site (and millions of other sites), widgets are all the boxes in the sidebars of the body of text you're currently reading, such as the Site Search, Get Started, Featured Articles, Categories, and etc. Such windows-widgets on the site are convenient for users for quick access to useful information.

Windows Gadgets

It's interesting that Windows developers are called widgets for quick access to necessary information gadgets. And the domestic search engine Yandex similar applications in relation to his search engine calls widgets. Would you like to see for yourself? Then take a look at the official websites of Windows and Yandex using the links below.

Yandex Widget “Weather” on the Desktop

Yandex widgets

If you prefer domestic search engine Yandex, then take a look at the Yandex widget catalog:

Yandex offers two types of widgets:

1) widgets for Yandex (the subject of widgets is extensive: Auto, Business, Home, Games, Culture, News, Education, Announcements, Jobs, Entertainment, Sports, Help, Technology, Tourism),

2) widgets for the Desktop (Search, Weather, Traffic, News, Clock).

Other meanings of the word "gadget"

The term "gadget" has other meanings as well. For example, the first atomic bomb was called a gadget. In literature, this word is most often found in spy movies (James Bond series). Cartoon lovers may remember Inspector Gadget, whose power lies in a set of gadgets.

Of interest is the information that at the beginning of the 20th century, sailors in the English fleet called gadgets all technical devices whose names they did not remember, did not know, etc. From point of view computer literacy it turns out very convenient if you use the word “gadget” “in a conversation” whenever you forgot (or don’t know) the name of a new technical device or the name of the new application. Not entirely competent, but maybe sometimes it's better than saying, "such a thing, the name of which I don't know (or don't remember)."

Without gadgets, life would not be so interesting. Mankind is constantly striving for something new and more perfect, for something that could make life easier for him, thereby moving forward new technologies.

For us to be interested, please take part in the voting. If there is no gadget in the voting list below, please write in the comments to the article, and I will add it to the existing list of gadgets.

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Gadgets (Widgets) are one of the most controversial features in a windowed OS. Some users install them and do not even imagine how you can fully use your PC without their help. Others do not even know what it is, and quite successfully cope. Are there gadgets for Windows 10, what are they and how to install them - we will analyze the answers to these questions in detail later in the article.

Why did widgets disappear from Windows 10?

With the advent of first version 8, and then the tenth version, this issue was resolved, because Microsoft decided to completely remove the function from the system for some reasons:

• For uselessness. A lot of emphasis in the new systems has been placed on live tiles, which, in a way, work in the same way as widgets. They display useful information, are updated in real time and look more appropriate;
• For security reasons. Here, the developers, rather, said without much reason. Since it is hard to assume that such a small component of the system as a widget can greatly affect security, and parts of its code can be used by intruders. Although it may have affected performance. You can check this by returning the functionality and .

Now gadgets for Windows 10 cannot be found on the official website.

However, there are no more widgets, and the reasons are given. Most of the users simply agreed and started using tiles, but there are those who do not want to deprive themselves of such convenient opportunity and wondered how to put gadgets on Windows 10. For their sake, we tried third party developers, who created software that copies the functionality of widgets as closely as possible and tells you how to install gadgets on your desktop in Windows 10.

How to Install Gadgets on Windows 10 Desktop Using Programs

8GadgetPack

• Media Center;
• movie maker;
• .NetFramework;
• DirectX 9 version and more.

It is likely that by digging on the Internet, you can find other less known solutions, but is it necessary to do this, given that the ones described above allow you to return the functionality that was in 7 and even more.

If you are looking for ways to remove gadgets on Windows 10, then this is done, which add them to the OS.

With development computer technology and the emergence of new operating systems, developers began to come up with a large number of various programs and elements. The purpose of these programs and elements is to improve the quality and convenience of the user experience in operating systems. Gadgets are peculiar small programs, the purpose of which depends on the characteristics of each individual gadget. Gadgets are basically installed as programs and displayed on the desktop in any place or in which the user wants. Many gadgets perform useful features, such as showing the CPU load involved RAM retrieve information from the internet. There are also entertaining gadgets in the form of mini games and much more. You can download gadgets for windows from us, and for free and without registration to your desktop.

Gadgets are diverse in terms of topics and functions, each gadget has a lot of settings that allow you to customize the gadget as you like. We have collected a fairly large number of gadgets for Windows that you can choose and download, and completely free of charge, without registration and all sorts of stupid SMS and file hosting. Gadgets for Windows will give your desktop good functionality and a beautiful, stylish look. Gadgets are customizable in design and display, which allows them to be selected in accordance with the selected Windows theme or desktop background. In order for the gadgets to harmoniously fit into the interior of the monitor, we recommend downloading