Product Reviews

If you want to make the most of Vista's desktop Sidebar and gadgets, you'll need to go beyond those that come preinstalled with the OS. The Windows Live Gadget Gallery (http://gallery.live.com) is the place to go, with thousands of free downloads to wade through. This month, though, we've done the job for you.

Weather gadgets that actually work with simplicity and style can take a bit of finding. We settled upon the laboriously named but excellent AccuWeather.com Forecast and Radar gadget, not least because it recognises places outside the US, including small villages right across the UK. By default, it simply shows the current forecast, including high and low temperatures for your location, but click on the weather symbol and you'll get a five-day forecast, or the location name for a detailed 15-day prediction. You can access more information via the radar link, which supplies current infrared satellite maps, an hour-by-hour forecast, or even general weather news and videos.