Resource Usage - Sidebar

There are lots of programs that will work on your computer, that will do the same basic functions. I am an adventurous person. I am constantly installing and uninstalling programs. Most of the time I hear about a programs that seems to help me work smart. Then I find out that it is either not working for me or it just lugs down work computer.

The easiest way, that I have found if a newly program is slowing down my computer is by using a sidebar gadget. It is labeled the CPU gadget. I keep the CPU gadget running all the time.

If you don't already have this gadget in the sidebar of your Windows Vista computer, just right click on the sidebar, then left click on Add Gadgets. A selection of available gadget will be displayed.

To put the CPU gadget or any other gadgets on the sidebar, just put your cursor over the gadget. Hold down the left mouse button, then drag it over the the sidebar, and lift your index figure off the left mouse button.

Sidebar - Removal

The sidebar of gadgets is a default display item in Windows Vista. However, it takes up memory that could be used else where. Especially if the user's computer just verily meets the needs of that computer's user or users.

If this is the case there are a couple things that can be done.

1. Add more memory
2. Reduce the number of applications that are running at the same time.

When choosing option number 2, the first thing that can be turned off is Vista's Sidebar. In removing the side bar go to the icon in the lower right side the taskbar. Right click on it and left click on proprieties. Then uncheck the box a the top which reads, "Start Sidebar when Windows starts.

Desktop Sidebar - Changing Gadgets

Sidebar is usually turned on by default. You may want to change or edit the clock, calender, and slide show that is set in the sidebar of your new to Vista computer. This is done by:

• Left clicking on the Start Orb
• Go to All Programs
• Then Accessories
• Finally to Windows Sidebar

This will open Windows Sidebar on the right side of your monitor. If you want to add new gadget, just left click on the little plus sign at the top of the Sidebar. This will bring up a selection of gadgets that come with Windows Vista. At the bottom of this Window is a link that will take you to a web location where you can choose from more gadgets.

If you want to remove a gadget from the sidebar move your cursor over that gadget. A "X" will appear. Left click on this "X" and that gadget will be removed from the Sidebar.