With the release of Microsoft Windows Vista came the ability to add various sidebar gadgets onto a user’s desktop. The idea behind these gadgets is to create a hybrid between the now dated “Windows Active Desktop” and Mac OS X’s own dashboard widgets. Speaking of OS X widgets, WeatherBug is one of the top 25 OS X Widgets for the OS X desktop as of this posting.

Back on the Vista front, WeatherBug is not only a popular download, it is front page listed in the Vista sidebar gadget category. You might also be interested to know that Microsoft has listed WeatherBug under “verified developer content“. This means that it has gone under the microscope to assure Vista users that it is a safe application to use. The new verified developer content program came about after some concern with potential overall misuse of the gadget gallery. While not really a problem, Microsoft wanted to play it safe for any future events that have yet to come up. This of course, protects Microsoft and gadget developers alike from any malicious types out there looking to exploit the end user.

Gadget tip - when using gadgets is not the best option

One of the biggest issues I have seen with people using Vista sidebar gadgets is the total lack of understanding that running Vista gadgets can take some fair PC resources. Generally speaking, most gadgets will use about 1-2% of the CPU and ~50MB RAM on a typical 1-2 year old PC with typical specs. That said, if you should find things running too sluggishly with our sidebar gadget for some reason, chances are you are better suited for another WeatherBug product. After all, WeatherBug does offer a number of great weather tools for Vista users to choose from. As for other sidebar vendors, you would have to check with their own websites.