Recommended alternatives for Windows Gadgets?

GaryB0125

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Now that Microsoft is recommending that Windows 7 users disable Sidebar and Gadgets due to potential security risks, can someone recommend alternatives that would allow gadget-like programs to safely exist on the desktop? Thanks in advance.
 

My Computer My Computer

OS
Windows 7 Home Premium 64bit
Rainmeter is my first choice and recommendation.

A lot of nice gadgets are available for it. Almost all are really cool.
 

My Computer My Computer

Computer type
PC/Desktop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Self Assembled
OS
Microsoft Windows 10 Pro Insider Preview 64-bit
CPU
Intel(R) Core(TM) i3-4130 CPU @ 3.40GHz
Motherboard
Gigabyte Technology Co., Ltd. B85M-D3H
Memory
Corsair Vengence 4GB x2 (8.00GB Dual-Channel DDR3 @ 798MHz)
Graphics Card(s)
2047MB GeForce GTS 450 (ZOTAC International)
Sound Card
Onboard (Realtek High Definition Audio)
Monitor(s) Displays
LG Flatron E2040T
Screen Resolution
1600x900
Hard Drives
Western Digital 1 TB
Seagate 500 GB
PSU
Corsair VS550
Case
Cooler Master K380
Cooling
Cooler Master Seidon 120V Plus
Keyboard
Logitech MK260r
Mouse
Logitech MK260r
Internet Speed
PMPL Broadband
Antivirus
Windows Defender + MBAM
Browser
Firefox
Other Info
Dell Studio 15" Laptop
Thanks for the suggestion. However, I couldn't figure out where to go for the gadgets ("skins"). Pls advise.
 

My Computer My Computer

OS
Windows 7 Home Premium 64bit

My Computer My Computer

Computer type
PC/Desktop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Dell Inspiron 530
OS
Windows 7 Professional SP1 64-bit
CPU
Intel Core 2 Duo Processor E8300 @ 2.83GHz
Motherboard
Dell Inc. 0RY007 (Socket 775)
Memory
4.00 GB Dual-Channel DDR2 @ 332MHz (5-5-5-15)
Graphics Card(s)
Intel(R) G33/G31 Express Chipset Family
Sound Card
Integrated 7.1 Channel Audio
Monitor(s) Displays
Acer G245HQL 23.6" LED(1920x1080@60Hz)
Screen Resolution
1920 x 1080
Hard Drives
Disk 0 HITACHI 1TB OS Installed - Disk 1 HITACHI 1TB For Backups
Keyboard
Dell USB Keyboard
Mouse
Dell Optical USB Mouse
Internet Speed
DSL 10 meg
Antivirus
Symantec(SEP)
Browser
Pale Moon
Yeah, rainmeter requires a little more advanced user to implement, but it's not that difficult, just doesn't a have a typical gui. I would check their forums and of course google. I use a mix of them depending on what I want displayed, but some people get really elaborate with it.

Rainmeter 101 | Rainmeter, desktop customization tool

You beat me to it Flatiron.
 

My Computer My Computer

Computer type
PC/Desktop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Custom Build
OS
Windows 7 Pro 64bit build 7601 SP1
CPU
Intel Core I5 3570K 3.4Ghz w/ Zalman CNPS9900NT RT
Motherboard
MSI Z77A-G45 Gaming
Memory
G.Skill F3-12800CL9D-8GbXL ; 4Gx2
Graphics Card(s)
EVGA Geforce GTX 770 Superclocked
Sound Card
Creative Sound Blaster Z
Monitor(s) Displays
Dual ViewSonic VX2770Smh-LED Black 27"IPS-Panel
Screen Resolution
1920x1080
Hard Drives
Kingston Hyper X 240GB SSD Win8 Pro 64bit 6GB/s Sata III
Intel 335 Series SSD 240GB Win8 Storage 6GB/s Sata III
Intel 320 Series SSD 600GB Storage 3GB/s Sata II
Western Digital Scorpio Black 1TB - Docked via Esata
PSU
Coolermaster GX 750W
Case
Corsair Vengence C70
Cooling
Coolermaster 120mm and Enermax 140mm
Keyboard
Corsair Vengence K70
Mouse
Logitech G500
Internet Speed
22mbps+
Browser
Firefox, Chrome, IE
Other Info
Swan M50W 2.1 speakers
APC UPS
Thermaltake BlacX HDD Dock
Samsung BD Optical Drive
Netgear WNDR4500

My Computer My Computer

Computer type
PC/Desktop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Self Assembled
OS
Microsoft Windows 10 Pro Insider Preview 64-bit
CPU
Intel(R) Core(TM) i3-4130 CPU @ 3.40GHz
Motherboard
Gigabyte Technology Co., Ltd. B85M-D3H
Memory
Corsair Vengence 4GB x2 (8.00GB Dual-Channel DDR3 @ 798MHz)
Graphics Card(s)
2047MB GeForce GTS 450 (ZOTAC International)
Sound Card
Onboard (Realtek High Definition Audio)
Monitor(s) Displays
LG Flatron E2040T
Screen Resolution
1600x900
Hard Drives
Western Digital 1 TB
Seagate 500 GB
PSU
Corsair VS550
Case
Cooler Master K380
Cooling
Cooler Master Seidon 120V Plus
Keyboard
Logitech MK260r
Mouse
Logitech MK260r
Internet Speed
PMPL Broadband
Antivirus
Windows Defender + MBAM
Browser
Firefox
Other Info
Dell Studio 15" Laptop
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