Windows Vista

Working with the Sidebar

The Windows Vista Sidebar is a vertical section of the desktop in which a user can display frequently used tools, called Gadgets. Gadgets include clocks, calendars, news feeds, and other helpful objects that allow you to easily access information and personalize your desktop.

HINT: The Windows Vista default settings allow the Sidebar to appear on the desktop upon first using Vista. However, if you are unable to see the Sidebar, from the Taskbar, simply click on the Sidebar icon to make it appear.

Accessing Sidebar Properties
Changing Sidebar Settings
Working with Gadgets
Adding Gadgets to the Sidebar
Removing Gadget

Accessing Sidebar Properties

In order to make changes to the Sidebar, you must first access the Sidebar properties.

Accessing Sidebar Properties: Start Menu Option

From the Start menu, select Control Panel
The Control Panel appears.
Click APPEARANCE AND PERSONALIZATION
The Appearance and Personalization options appear.
Click WINDOWS SIDEBAR PROPERTIES
The Windows Sidebar Properties dialog box appears.

Accessing Sidebar Properties: Right Click Option

Right click anywhere in a blank part of the Sidebar frame » select Properties
The Windows Sidebar Properties dialog box appears.

Changing Sidebar Settings

You can change the location of the Sidebar on the desktop and its visibility in regard to other windows.

Access the Sidebar Properties
To allow the Sidebar to appear adjacent to open windows, select Sidebar is always on top of other windows
HINT: An item is selected if a checkmark appears within the box.
To change the location of the Sidebar, from the Display Sidebar on this side of screen option, select Left or Right
To make the changes, click APPLY

Working with Gadgets

The Windows Vista default settings place three gadgets on the Sidebar: the Clock, the Slide Show, and the News Feed. Each of these gadgets has two buttons: a close button and an options button. When you pass your cursor over the gadget, the two buttons appear at the top right corner.

The Options button is available only with gadgets that require specific information to operate. For example, the Clock has options that allow you to change its appearance and time zone. However, the Calendar does not have an Options button.

Each gadget's opacity can be adjusted by right-clicking on the gadget and choosing the desired percentage.

Adding Gadgets to the Sidebar

Your Sidebar will contain only default gadgets until you personalize it. Vista has a selection of gadgets already installed on your computer. You can search for and install more gadgets at the Windows Vista Gadget Gallery.

Right click anywhere in a blank part of the Sidebar frame » select Add Gadgets...
OR
From the top of the Sidebar, click GADGETS
The Gadget Gallery appears.
To add a gadget to the sidebar, double click the gadget
OR
Drag the gadget to the Sidebar
The gadget is added to the Sidebar.

Moving Gadgets

To change the vertical order of your gadgets, simply click on the desired gadget's handle and drag it to the desired location. You can also drag a gadget to your desktop.

Removing Gadgets

You can easily remove gadgets when you no longer find a need for them. However, removing them from the Sidebar is not the same as uninstalling them from your computer.

Removing Gadgets from the Sidebar

Removing a gadget from the Sidebar does not remove it from the Gadget Gallery.

In the Sidebar, pass your cursor over the desired gadget
Click CLOSE

The gadget is removed from the Sidebar.

Removing Gadgets from the Computer

Uninstalling a gadget removes it from the Gadget Gallery.

From the top of the Sidebar, click GADGETS
The Gadget Gallery appears.
Right click on the gadget you wish to remove » select Uninstall
A confirmation dialog box appears.
Click UNINSTALL
The gadget is uninstalled.