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Windows Vista - Windows Sidebar

Configure a Windows Sidebar Gadget

SUMMARY: Most Windows Sidebar Gadgets have configuration options you can tweak.


 

Tired of how your Windows Sidebar gadgets appear on your Windows Vista desktop? Have you installed a Windows Sidebar gadget that connects to the Internet, but don't know how to change its options, such as your e-mail settings, a displayed RSS feed, or a particular auction to monitor?

It's easy to configure Windows Sidebar gadgets. Watch the below movie to see how to configure the clock gadget, then read the following instructions:



1. Move your mouse pointer on top of the Sidebar gadget you wish to configure.

2. On the top-right corner of the gadget, or a little to the right of the gadget, you should see three icons appear. Click the middle icon to access the configuration options.

OR:

Right-click the gadget and choose "Options".

3. A Configuration dialog should appear allowing you to change some of the gadget's settings. Each gadget will have different configuration options available.

For example, the clock applet lets you choose between eight different clock faces. Plus, show the second hand if you wish.

You can also name the clock or give it a different time zone (this lets you have multiple clocks onscreen with different time zones, important if you're traveling or deal with business partners across the country or around the globe!). Look at the image to the right for an example of how you can use two clock gadgets on the Windows Sidebar.

When you install a new sidebar gadget from the Gadget Gallery, you can install multiple instances of the same gadget! This is how two clock gadgets can appear simultaneously.




4. Depending on the gadget, you may have an "OK" or "Yes" button to save your settings. Some gadgets may just have you click an "X".



 

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