It could be a small on-screen tool or a tiny application embedded in a website. Widgets are mini-programs that can perform a specific task or add a fancy element to a web page or a social networking site. There are thousands that can be downloaded for use on the Windows, Mac and Android operating systems. Widgets break down into those for use with the web and those placed on the desktop.
The most popular desktop widgets are programs that make using your PC more efficient. Informer is on most top ten lists. This widget provides information about computer memory on the front page of your desktop and gives the user easy access to internet radio stations and other popular applications. The RSS Reader is another popular desktop widget that will provide on screen updates from your favorite blogs and websites.
Like the RSS Reader, there are a number of other widgets for the desktop that provide updated information without having to open your internet browser. The New York Times Reader scrolls headlines to the latest news stories which you can click on to obtain more information. The Yahoo Stock Ticker is another favorite which can be customized to give you the latest prices for stocks in your portfolio or stocks you are considering buying. It can alert you when prices hit preprogrammed highs or lows.
Some desktop widgets are remotes to control bigger programs that are loaded onto your computer. Apple has a mini iTunes remote that controls your music. You can adjust the volume, easily skip tracks and update song ratings. If you are the forgetful type, a very useful widget is JC Sticky Deluxe. This application will allow you to post notes on your desktop with little reminders about things you have to do. The notes look just like the little yellow post it notes that you slap on a piece of paper or the refrigerator.