Desktop Sidebar is a freeware program based on Windows Vista, which places a user-friendly sidebar docked to the right or left side of the computer screen. Most useful on wide-screen laptop computers, the program permits the user to easily access utilities such as a calculator, a clock, an image slideshow, Windows Media Player, Winamp, Windows Messenger or Windows Live Messenger (formerly MSN Messenger), web search or a command prompt. The Desktop Sidebar has a large selection of customizable skins and plugins available to download for free from it's website. The Desktop Sidebar also gives you a dynamic and customizable source of information. The program is currently compatible with Windows 2000, Windows XP and Windows Server 2003, however, according to the Desktop Sidebar website, it also supports Windows Vista. Also, older versions were compatible with Windows 98.

The extension exchange has over 500 extras for the Desktop Sidebar. These include:

Plugins (extra things to put on your sidebar, e.g. a mail checker).

Skins (different colour schemes and designs for your sidebar).

Command lines.

Slideshows.

Some of the popular plugins on the exchange include:

DSShutdown - This allows you to shut down your computer from the sidebar.

IP Address - Allows you to see lots of information about IP addresses on your computer.

SimpleCalendar Panel - A simple calendar panel.

The Desktop Sidebar website has a community forum where people can chat about issues and problems. There is also a support area, with FAQs and On-Line help.

External links

Desktop Sidebar - Desktop Sidebar official website