Windows 7 Gadgets

One of the greatest features Windows's most recent operating system is the plethora of Windows 7 gadgets made available to its users. If you’ve never heard of them before, “gadgets” are small widgets that appear on the Windows 7 home screen. Gadgets can display anything from weather forecasts, news feeds or games and puzzles. In short, they add a whole new level of functionality and entertainment to your desktop. The following are a few must have Windows 7 gadgets for anyone, not just tech whizzes and computer-philes.

1. Facebook Explorer. As if Facebook didn’t control your life enough already, a Windows 7 gadget now exists that let's you check the site right from your computer’s home screen. Its abilities are pretty impressive, showing everything from recent messages and friend requests to status updates and event invitations. If you just have to have that Facebook fix every time you turn your computer on, this gadget is great for satisfying the need quickly and efficiently.
2. App Launcher. If there’s certain applications you use all the time that don’t appear in your Windows 7 quick launch menu (at the lower right corner of the taskbar), you can easily fix the problem with this gadget. It dedicates a small spot on the home screen to any programs you want. All you have to do is drag and drop them into App Launcher’s dedicated widget. From there, a single clip will get you where you need to go in a hurry.
3. Language Translator. Though it’s not quite as thorough as translation resources available online, this Windows 7 gadget is great for quickly checking translations of individual words and small phrases. There are over 40 languages available to choose from, making it a small but powerful translation tool for the casual user.
4. Twadget. This Windows 7 gadget enhances the functionality of your Twitter account. When installed, it gives you the ability to view your friends’ tweets as well as create your own from your desktop’s home screen. Attractive and straightforward, Twadget is a must-have gadget for devout Twitter users.
5. Traffic. Checking current traffic in your local area is exceedingly easy with this Windows 7 gadget. It uses the Bing search engine to generate a traffic map of your location on the home screen, allowing you to gauge your commute quickly and accurately without having to navigate to local news websites or search engine maps.