Window desktop gadgets

Anyone know about these? I've looked at the very good tutorials about these and their predecessor Windows Sidebar on msdn.microsoft.com. However, I can't get at them on my PC. For instance, the right-click on the desktop gives a pop-up menu that includes 'Screen resolution' and 'Personalize' but there is no 'Gadgets' listed between them as the tutorials show. Also, following the instructions to turn them on (Control Panel -> Programs and Features -> Turn Windows features on or off), 'Gadgets' was not amongst the very cryptic options available. And finally, I only see one gadget in the Program Files/Windows Sidebar/gadgets folder, and it isn't the Clock one that is described in one mini-tutorial.

I have Windows 8 (not the Pro version) on a Dell Inspiron R15.

How can I get to play with gadgets?

Hello Thicko, and welcome to Eight Forums.

Sorry, but gadgets have been completely removed from Windows 8 for security reasons.

Instead, Windows 8 now has Store apps with live tile updates that you can use (turn on or off) on the Start screen.

With that said, you could use the free 8GadgetPack program to use gadgets in Windows 8. Just be aware that gadgets can pose a severe security risk to your system.

Hope this helps,
Shawn

Yep, if you are afraid of java, then you just cannot install gadgets.

I would recommend the 8gadgetpack, it has all the gadgets you would need

Thanks.

My other computer is the works one, running Win7. Gadgets seem to have been disabled by the IT bods. Would an in-house gadget (which was going to be my development project work for the year and the reason behind my question) running on Win7 and giving access to the intra- and internet be a likely security risk? It would obviously have to be assessed by our tight Information Security people, so I'd like to know whether the idea is a non-starter.

That's something that you will need to ask your IT security people first about to see if they would even allow it.

The gadget feature is not the risk, it's the gadget itself that could be. Since you would be developing it, and of course trust yourself, it would be safe. The problem is that the door would be open to install other gadgets that could be a security risk, and may not be allowed all together to prevent that.

Ah. Understood. The thin end of the wedge. Thanks.

You're welcome. Please let us know how it went.