Top 7 Coolest Windows 7 Desktop Gadgets
The Appeal of Desktop Gadgets
Gadgets consistently offer a compelling addition to any computer setup. They enhance the capabilities of your desktop environment and often streamline daily tasks.
Beyond practicality, these small applications provide a means for personal expression.
Windows 7 Gadget Accessibility
Microsoft addressed user feedback by removing the visually unappealing sidebar present in Windows Vista with the release of Windows 7.
This change allowed gadgets to be positioned freely on the desktop, offering greater customization.
Previously, in July, Matt highlighted a selection of the 7 Best Windows 7 Gadgets, featuring tools like system performance monitors, social media integrations for Facebook and Twitter, a dedicated Skype interface, and the visually engaging Doppler RadLoop.
Exploring Additional Windows 7 Gadgets
Let's now explore a further collection of interesting and useful desktop gadgets available for Windows 7.
Benefits of Utilizing Desktop Gadgets
- Enhanced Functionality: Expand the capabilities of your computer.
- Increased Efficiency: Simplify common tasks and workflows.
- Personalized Experience: Reflect your individual style and preferences.
These small applications can significantly improve your overall computing experience.
Clipboard Manager
This utility offers rapid access to your clipboard history. Previously copied text or images can be easily retrieved from this record.
Furthermore, you are able to save frequently used clips for future application. Actions can be initiated by simply right-clicking on an item within the history and choosing the desired operation.
Locating Past Clipboard Entries
Should you require a specific piece of copied data, such as information duplicated an hour prior, a keyword-based filter can be employed to quickly locate it within the history.
Managing History and Clips
Comprehensive management of both the entire clipboard history and your personalized favorite clips is facilitated through the Clipboard Manager interface. Access this by clicking the "more" option.
Within this interface, additional tools can be integrated, and settings adjusted. However, it's worth noting that the manager window's size can be substantial.
On smaller devices, like a netbook, navigating to and confirming settings, such as the "OK" button, may require using the [TAB] key to reach invisible elements.
MiniTV
MiniTV functions as a compact television display directly on your computer desktop, as its name suggests.
Functionality and Features
This gadget provides access to a substantial collection of broadcasting stations. Users also have the capability to incorporate custom streams.
A full-screen viewing option is available, though the video quality is contingent upon the source stream's characteristics.
Future updates are planned to significantly expand the number of integrated stations offered within the application.
Time Management
If you require a brief respite from work without losing track of time, MiniTV offers a convenient solution.
Through the configuration settings, a specific duration or a set number of minutes can be entered.
Following this predetermined timeframe, MiniTV will automatically power down, preventing prolonged distraction.
Ultimate Explorer
Despite its unassuming appearance, Ultimate Explorer is a remarkably feature-rich application.
The name itself is quite fitting, as this tool offers a comprehensive suite of functionalities.
Instant Access to Multiple Search Sites
Ultimate Explorer facilitates quick access to a variety of websites for information retrieval.
Searches can be executed either directly within the gadget or through your preferred web browser, with individual settings available for each site.
For instance, YouTube videos can be previewed in a flyout window, while Amazon search results can be opened in your browser.
Simply choose the desired site and then activate the tools icon located in the lower right corner.
Additional Features
Beyond search capabilities, the tool incorporates a convenient calendar and event management system, accessible through the "Home" function.
A wealth of further customization options are available within the settings menu.
However, it's important to note that the pre-defined list of searchable sites cannot be altered by the user.
This limitation prevents personalized site additions.
NASA TV – A Desktop Streaming Application
A straightforward application once existed to provide a live stream of NASA TV directly to your computer desktop.
Viewers could observe astronauts and scientists aboard the International Space Station as they conducted their work, all while experiencing the comforts of Earth, like gravity and a warm beverage.
Functionality and Limitations
The application displayed the video feed within a small, fixed-size window, as illustrated in the accompanying screenshot.
It's important to note that zooming or switching to a full-screen viewing mode were not supported features.
For a higher-quality viewing experience, users were directed to visit the official NASA TV website.
This gadget offered a convenient, albeit limited, way to stay connected with space exploration activities.
Weather Underground
Despite our increasing independence from meteorological conditions in contemporary life, awareness of the weather remains valuable. Knowing whether an extra layer of clothing or sun protection is necessary for outdoor activities is still quite useful.
This desktop gadget, provided by Weather Underground, ensures you don’t overlook the weather’s impact on your daily routines and choices. It offers support for locations across the globe.
Gadget Functionality
Utilizing the small plus symbol located in the lower right corner collapses the preview and minimizes the window to display only the current weather status. This provides a quick overview.
Selecting the arrow icon in the upper left corner expands a flyout window. This window, when available, grants access to a radar image, comprehensive weather details, and live webcams.
- Radar Images: Visualize precipitation patterns.
- Detailed Conditions: Access in-depth meteorological data.
- Webcams: View live footage from the location.
The gadget’s design prioritizes quick access to essential weather information, making it a practical addition to your desktop.
Colour Picker [No Longer Available]
A highly useful tool for professionals and enthusiasts alike, this colour picker gadget streamlines workflows involving colour selection across various applications.
Users are empowered to discover and import colour palettes from online sources, as well as create and store personalized palettes for future use.
Key Features
- Effortlessly search for pre-designed colour palettes available online.
- Save custom-created palettes for consistent branding or design projects.
- Quickly copy and paste HEX values to ensure colour uniformity.
- Maintain a cohesive colour scheme with minimal effort.
The functionality of this gadget is enhanced through integration with the COLOURlovers API.
COLOURlovers serves as a dynamic online platform dedicated to tracking and shaping current colour trends, providing a constantly updated resource.
By leveraging the COLOURlovers API, the gadget delivers access to a wealth of contemporary colour inspiration and data.
The Magic Folder – An Overview
Do you struggle with a disorganized desktop and a cluttered downloads folder? This application offers a solution to streamline your file management. It automatically categorizes files into designated folders based on their respective file extensions.
Utilizing The Magic Folder is straightforward: simply drag and drop your files onto the application's interface. Furthermore, a 'watched folder' feature allows for automatic sorting of newly added files, such as those downloaded from the internet.
Configuration and Customization
While the tool is effective, achieving optimal organization requires initial setup. Users must define the folder structure and specify which file types are directed to each folder.
The application provides flexibility in managing file destinations. Folder paths can be edited, allowing users to specify precisely where files should be moved. Individual file extensions can also be customized, enabling granular control over the sorting process.
For instance, .tiff files could be directed to a 'projects' folder, while other image file types are routed to a 'pictures' folder. Beyond the standard folders, users have the ability to incorporate additional, custom-defined folders.
Additional Windows 7 Gadgets to Explore
Here are three other interesting Windows 7 gadgets that may enhance your computing experience:
- Remote Desktop: Enables remote access to other computers.
- Language Translator: Facilitates quick translations between languages.
- Pacman: A classic arcade game for entertainment.
What is your preferred Windows 7 gadget, and where did you initially find it?
