Desktop Sidebar

This versatile desktop utility offers an appealing selection of features–just be aware they take a lot of memory. At its most basic level, Desktop Sidebar lets you switch between programs or access documents more easily and efficiently, just like Windows Taskbar. But you also can transform Desktop Sidebar into a personal organizer with plug-ins such as a clock, an e-mail checker, a calendar, a stock-quote ticker, and a weather watcher. What’s more, Desktop Sidebar can manage your RSS feeds and help streamline Web searches. A handy shortcut provides access to WinAmp, ICQ, and Skype. And Desktop Sidebar’s active user community has developed some 50 functions, 200 skins, and 40 slide shows. Yet, as often happens with freeware, not all the features are completely bug-free. The main problem is Desktop Sidebar puts a serious drag on system functions. But if you’ve got plenty of RAM to spare, this is a great all-in-one utility.