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11 Best Windows Vista Sidebar Gadgets

Posted by Raj | Filed under Vista Tips

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In Windows Vista Microsoft Introduced a new Features Sidebar Gadgets, which are really cool and very useful too. By default, Microsot Windows Vista comes with a handful of Gadgets in the Sidebar. These Gadgets include things like a clock, a calendar, a picture slideshow, the local weather, etc. But you can add and remove some more cool gadgets into the sidebar. So am here posting some of the best Widgets for the Vista.

1. Memory Meter-

The Memory Meter shows you all you need to know about the amount of memory currently in use, how much is left, the total memory available and a status bar. Memory utilization is not directly related to security, but monitoring memory usage may help you quickly detect malicious activity by alerting you when an inordinate amount of memory is being used.

2. Network Activity- Display network activity in real time. It displays two bars (TX/RX) that show your current thoughput. These bars have a text overlay showing you the exact speed that is being acheived. This is a very light weight gadget and has a settings menu that allows you to assign the network card and sampling interval that you are comfortable with.

3. Computer Status- See the status of your Computer/Notebook in the Sidebar and on a SideShow device. View CPU, RAM, WiFi, Battery and Recycle Bin status. It also includes a Radio and the Date.

4. Terror Alert- This Windows Sidebar gadget displays the current level of the Homeland Security Advisory System on your sidebar. This is the initial version, and I finally will have some time to expand on this as well as create different versions for other locations (many have asked for UK).

5. Windows Firewall profile- Primarily geared for network troubleshooting.The Windows Firewall Profile is a system-wide setting dynamically derived from the network connection state and attributes. This setting dictates the machine’s effective firewall’s policy.
Knowing the current firewall profile indicates the effective firewall policy (and hence the attack surface size) to the user and also assists in troubleshooting.

6. AnySearch- Great Vista look and feel that is very small. Search for just about anything from this very convenient location on your sidebar. You can search; Google, Live, Yahoo, Ask, Altavista, Wikipedia, Dictionary, Amazon, eBay, YouTube, Weather, Software, Music, Images, Maps and News. With transparent backgrounds and a dropdown box that slides out of the way when not in use. You can even adjust the opacity of the backgrounds and open the search in a new window or a flyout window.

7. All CPU Meter- With this All CPU Meter you can display your Processor usage (Quad Core or Dual Core) and RAM usage.

8. Wireless Network Meter - The Wireless Network Meter will show you SSID, signal quality, IP address, External IP address, IP lookup with google maps, upload speed, download speed and whether your connection is secure or not secure.

9. TOP - Vista Shutdown Control - With this gadget you can shutdown, restart or lock your computer with only one click. Furthermore it shows the time and you can change the design. Check it out!

10. YouTube Video Downloader- A simple sidebar gadget to download YouTube video. Just enter the URL(The address of the page where you are watching the YouTube video[only youtube site please for this version]) and download the video in flv format. Use VLC Media Player or FLV Player to watch it.

11. Remove Drive Safely v1.2- Here is the gadget that will help you to disconnect your usb, SATA, eSATA drives (like Safely Remove Hardware tool).