Gadgets Gone - So is Windows 8

genec57

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I just read an article stating that wonderful Microsoft had removed gadgets from Windows 8 RTM due to security issues.:mad:

If that holds true it will be the death knell for 8 for me. Apparently there will be yet another work around for those, like me, who love their gadgets. That on top of the fix for the start button, the fix for shutdown and restart, and who knows what else.

I have tested this new offering from mickeysoft semi-extensively and can see nothing that redeems it for the desktop, keyboard, mouse user like me. In the event that I purchase a non-apple tablet perhaps I will give it another look. Meanwhile this reminds me too much of Windows ME.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    windows 8
Gadgets really are a love 'em or hate 'em kinda thing.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Self-Built in July 2009
    CPU
    Intel Q9550 2.83Ghz OC'd to 3.40Ghz
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3R rev. 1.1, F12 BIOS
    Memory
    8GB G.Skill PI DDR2-800, 4-4-4-12 timings
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA 1280MB Nvidia GeForce GTX570
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC899A 8 channel onboard audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    23" Acer x233H
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    Intel X25-M 80GB Gen 2 SSD
    Western Digital 1TB Caviar Black, 32MB cache. WD1001FALS
    PSU
    Corsair 620HX modular
    Case
    Antec P182
    Cooling
    stock
    Keyboard
    ABS M1 Mechanical
    Mouse
    Logitech G9 Laser Mouse
    Internet Speed
    15/2 cable modem
    Other Info
    Windows and Linux enthusiast. Logitech G35 Headset.
If you have multiple monitors, Gadgets are awesome. Maybe not so much with a single monitor, but I have a nice looking clock, stop watch, CPU/GPU and Network traffic monitors, calendar with Moon Phases (important for my astrophotography) and a great weather app. All visiable /always/ at a glance. Even when running fullscreen game apps and the like.

Other people have news and stock tickers etc.

They are really the forerunner (and still better in almost every way) of Metro's "Live Tiles".
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7/8
Gadgets: like little running apps. :)

It's interesting how people lived without them fine but can't live without them now.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS
    CPU
    AMD FX 8320
    Motherboard
    Crosshair V Formula-Z
    Memory
    16 gig DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS R9 270
    Screen Resolution
    1440x900
    Hard Drives
    1 TB Seagate Barracuda (starting to hate Seagate)
    x2 3 TB Toshibas
    Windows 8.1 is installed on a SanDisk Ultra Plus 256 GB
    PSU
    OCZ 500 watt
    Case
    A current work in progres as I'll be building the physical case myself. It shall be fantastic.
    Cooling
    Arctic Cooler with 3 heatpipes
    Keyboard
    Logitech K750 wireless solar powered keyboard
    Mouse
    Microsoft Touch Mouse
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender, but I might go back on KIS 2014
Hi there
Gadgets are fine if you want them -- I actually like a Stock ticker and have a BBC news item ticker -- these are unobtrusive on decent sized monitors and they don't stop you working with multiple windows open simultaneously either. You can hide them at will too which further increases the flexibility of the system.

These are really how metro should have been implemented -- then if you click the gadget you could get your "Metro like full screen" application. if you wanted it.

For some people the Metro idea might be fine with properly working "dynamically updating apps" but for others it's just a hopeless mess making it almost impossible for people to do their daily work.

Windows 8 has some decent features in it but unless I can get round having to remove about 497 tiles every time I try and install something complex like the Adobe CS5.5 master suite (Photoshop etc) and bring some of these back to the taskbar and desktop short cuts (just the main applications --about 7) I'm giving W8 a miss.

it's a LOT of work messing around with this stuff just to USE your computer -- finding out which are the actual MAIN applications, linking to the actual folder and then with a right mouse click sending it to the desktop as a short cut. Takes a lot of time too.

I'd be really surprised if W8 ever finds a place inside any sensible large corporation --why on earth Ms is releasing an "Enterprise" version just amazes me --the only "Enterprise" W8 might appear in is probably the original "Starship Enterprise" with Mr Spock having a go on his latest piece of Vulcan Technology.

Cheers
jimbo
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Linux Centos 7, W8.1, W7, W2K3 Server W10
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Monitor(s) Displays
    1 X LG 40 inch TV
    Hard Drives
    SSD's * 3 (Samsung 840 series) 250 GB
    2 X 3 TB sata
    5 X 1 TB sata
    Internet Speed
    0.12 GB/s (120Mb/s)
I kept trying with 8. Other OSs in the past I started out hating and grew to love them once I learned how to navigate them. Same with some office apps.

For that reason I have installed it several times and worked to learn it. Every time it just seemed to get worse - with enough customization I could get it decent. Windows 7 needs no customization.

I really like my gadgets, in fact, I refuse to be without them.
Perhaps they do work in the 32 bit version of 8 RTM. I wouldn't know - I only use 64 bit.

I will still take a look at a final, non enterprise release but I am 98% sure that I will give it a miss.

Gene
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    windows 8
FYI, MS has removed gadgets from Windows 7 as well, via update.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro
    CPU
    Intel i7 3770K
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte Z77X-UD4 TH
    Memory
    16GB DDR3 1600
    Graphics Card(s)
    nVidia GTX 650
    Sound Card
    Onboard Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Auria 27" IPS + 2x Samsung 23"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440 + 2x 2048x1152
    Hard Drives
    Corsair m4 256GB, 2 WD 2TB drives
    Case
    Antec SOLO II
    Keyboard
    Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000
    Mouse
    Logitech MX
FYI, MS has removed gadgets from Windows 7 as well, via update.

Oh? :huh: Since when? My machine is current as of last Tuesday and my gadget system is intact and working fine. What are you talking about?

-Max
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Inspiron 17R / Dell XPS 8300
    CPU
    Intel i5 (17R) / Intel i7 (XPS)
    Memory
    8GB / 8GB
Windows 8 has some decent features in it but unless I can get round having to remove about 497 tiles every time I try and install something complex like the Adobe CS5.5 master suite (Photoshop etc) and bring some of these back to the taskbar and desktop short cuts (just the main applications --about 7) I'm giving W8 a miss.

Hey Jimbo,

I'm completely mystified how MS thought that going with a flat "directory" in the menu system was a wise idea. This is the biggest design gaffe I've ever seen come out of MS. Well ... not the biggest ... MS Bob was worse and VS 2012 with it's monochrome front-end competes for worst looking DEV tool of all time, but you get my point.

-Max :eek:
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Inspiron 17R / Dell XPS 8300
    CPU
    Intel i5 (17R) / Intel i7 (XPS)
    Memory
    8GB / 8GB
Gadgets: like little running apps. :)

It's interesting how people lived without them fine but can't live without them now.

I always thought they looked kinda cool and once I set them up, i thought they were kinda dumb, unnecessary and I turned them back off. Hate the clutter.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Self-Built in July 2009
    CPU
    Intel Q9550 2.83Ghz OC'd to 3.40Ghz
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3R rev. 1.1, F12 BIOS
    Memory
    8GB G.Skill PI DDR2-800, 4-4-4-12 timings
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA 1280MB Nvidia GeForce GTX570
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC899A 8 channel onboard audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    23" Acer x233H
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    Intel X25-M 80GB Gen 2 SSD
    Western Digital 1TB Caviar Black, 32MB cache. WD1001FALS
    PSU
    Corsair 620HX modular
    Case
    Antec P182
    Cooling
    stock
    Keyboard
    ABS M1 Mechanical
    Mouse
    Logitech G9 Laser Mouse
    Internet Speed
    15/2 cable modem
    Other Info
    Windows and Linux enthusiast. Logitech G35 Headset.
Windows Sidebar/Gadgets for Windows 8 RTM ADDED 32bit Version
I can confirm that this brings back the Gadgets to Windows 8 RTM.

BUT: If you use another language then English ("en-US") you have to copy the corresponding language folders "C:\Program Files\Windows Sidebar\ ..." from Windows 8 Release Preview.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8
Can anyone confirm working gadgets in the final Windows 8 version? I'm using x64 Pro, tried a coulple of methods available (including the one in the previous page) but they do not work.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro x64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom built
    CPU
    Intel Q9650 (3GHz)
    Memory
    4 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    AMD 5670
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 X Dell
    Screen Resolution
    1680x1050
Hi AmigaRoots

If you want your desktop gadgets back go here
Download 8GadgetPack - 2.0
I've been using this for a few days now with network meter, cpu meter, drive meter, clock etc. works fine no problems here.
Regards
Aquatarkus
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win 8 Pro
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Self Build
    CPU
    AMD AM3+ Bulldozer FX-8 8150
    Motherboard
    Asus
    Memory
    16 gig
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Radeon 7850 2 gig
    Sound Card
    Asus Xonar Essence STX
    Monitor(s) Displays
    3 x Iiyama Prolite E2773HS (IPS)
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080 x 3
    Hard Drives
    1 x Kingston 240gig HyperX 3K SSD
    1 x 1TB Hitachi Sata III drive
    12 x TB storage on server
    PSU
    Corsair TXM 850watt Modular
    Case
    Thermaltake Shark
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro H60
    Keyboard
    Logitech S510
    Mouse
    Logitech T650 touchpad
    Internet Speed
    120mb (Virgin Media
Thanks aquatarkus. I've read somewhere that 8GadgetPack is based on the Vista implementation of the Sidebar, not 7, and I want to avoid that. I'll try it out though.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro x64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom built
    CPU
    Intel Q9650 (3GHz)
    Memory
    4 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    AMD 5670
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 X Dell
    Screen Resolution
    1680x1050
Thanks aquatarkus. I've read somewhere that 8GadgetPack is based on the Vista implementation of the Sidebar, not 7, and I want to avoid that. I'll try it out though.


I'm using it now, AmigaRoots, and it looks and works identically to the gadgets in Windows 7.

I've had no issues with it so far, and never had any issues with them on Vista or 7.

IMO, vulnerabilities was just an excuse for MS to dump them....


BTW, Which Amiga? I still have my 1MB A500....:)
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 Enterprise 64-bit (7 Ult, Vista & XP in V-Box)
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Acer Aspire Ethos AS8951G 'Super-Laptop'.
    CPU
    Intel Sandy-Bridge i7-2670QM quad-core
    Motherboard
    Acer
    Memory
    8GB DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel 3000HD / Ge-Force GT555M 2 gigs
    Sound Card
    Realtek/5.1 Dolby built-in including speakers.
    Monitor(s) Displays
    18.4" full-HD
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1024
    Hard Drives
    2x750GB Toshiba internal, 1x500GB Seagate external, 1x2TB Seagate external, 1x640GB Toshiba pocket-drive, 1x640GB Samsung pocket drive.
    PSU
    Stock
    Case
    Laptop
    Cooling
    Air-cooled
    Mouse
    I/R cordless.
    Internet Speed
    Borderline pathetic.
desktop_gadgets_and_sidebar_for_windows_8_by_hb860-d5clccn.png

Aw man!

GrantFitz
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro, iOS 7.1, Elementary OS
    Computer type
    Tablet
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Apple
    Memory
    1 GB
    Screen Resolution
    2048x1536
    Other Info
    iPad Air
I'm using it now, AmigaRoots, and it looks and works identically to the gadgets in Windows 7. I've had no issues with it so far, and never had any issues with them on Vista or 7. IMO, vulnerabilities was just an excuse for MS to dump them... BTW, Which Amiga? I still have my 1MB A500....:)
I'm having installation problems, like the other versions. Probably something is blocking it in my system. Ah... I've had the 500, 1200 and CD32. Wonderful machines and memories. Thank God for the brilliant WinUAE emulator.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro x64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom built
    CPU
    Intel Q9650 (3GHz)
    Memory
    4 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    AMD 5670
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 X Dell
    Screen Resolution
    1680x1050
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