While Windows Vista’s Windows Sidebar may come pre-configured with a few gadgets such as a clock, photo gallery, and news feeds, what if you want to add other gadgets?
1. Right-click the Windows Sidebar icon on the taskbar (it looks like the image to the left). If you do not see this icon, click the “Show Hidden Icons” arrow (it looks like the image to the right), then right-click the Windows Sidebar icon.
2. Choose “Add Gadgets”.
A Gadget Gallery will appear similar to the below screenshot where you can choose from a variety of pre-installed gadgets. Double-click a gadget to add it to the sidebar.