Gadgets for Microsoft® Office 2010

Want to know about the gadgets for Microsoft Office 2010?

The Windows Sidebar feature was introduced with Windows Vista and was greatly improved in Windows 7. It allows users to place gadgets (can also be referred to as widgets) that perform certain functions right on their desktops. This provides the ability to instantly look at these gadgets by minimizing all windows or by simply using Aero Peek.

Here we discuss about the gadgets for Microsoft Office 2010, their benefits and limitations:

• Benefits
• Example
• Limitations

Benefits

Microsoft Windows Gadgets simply float around in your desktop and are not considered as separate applications. The main advantage of having a gadget is for quick and easy retrieval and manipulation of frequently used information. Let’s say you have a gadget that lists your unfinished paperwork in Microsoft Word or Microsoft Excel, you are easily be reminded when you turn your computer on or you can check which one should take priority while you are doing something else. This way you would not need to open the main applications just for a quick perusal.

Example

A very good example of an excellent gadget that integrates with Microsoft Office 2010 applications is the Microsoft Outlook gadget. It simply lists your next 5 upcoming Microsoft Outlook appointments right on your desktop and clicking on any entry would launch Microsoft Outlook direct to that appointment. This is very convenient since not having Microsoft Outlook always open means that you have one less window to clutter your desktop but you still have direct access to your closes appointments via a quick press of Win+Spacebar (the Aero Peek shortcut).

Limitations

The biggest problem nowadays is the sheer lack of gadgets that are able to integrate with Microsoft Office 2010 applications, though this would probably be addressed quickly as Windows 7 rapidly replace most operating systems, especially WinXP users who were hesitant to switch to Windows Vista due to performance issues. Another limitation for gadgets is that they are not really full-fledged applications and hence cannot take up too much resource. Although use of the screen is not that restricted, gadgets coders are also advised to make minimal use of the desktop as it could be disruptive to the normal use of the computer.

Although gadget integration to Office 2010 applications is still minimal, it provides a very promising capability that should enhance the experience of using Microsoft Office. As new gadgets emerge, it is best to consult with computer experts who can tell you about the performance and possible issues that each one has; as well as installation and setting-up.

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