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Tools Toys and Technology

About the Tools You Use and the Toys That Make Life Interesting

Tools Toys and Technology - About the Tools You Use and the Toys That Make Life Interesting

Windows Gadgets Are a Security Risk

Microsoft is advising users of its Vista and Windows 7 operating systems to disable any gadgets you may have activated on your computer.

Gadgets are little visual tools and — well — “gadgets” that display clock faces, calendars, news feeds, weather and other information on your desktop. I have one on every one of my computers that monitors CPU usage. At least, I did until I followed Microsoft’s advice and took it off.

The problem with these little screen ditties is that they have vulnerabilities that could allow an attacker to take control of your computer. The upcoming Windows 8 will not support gadgets, plus the feature was never widely used in the first place. So rather than fix the problem, Microsoft is just recommending that you not use them. Windows 8 will be able to offer similar on-screen information on Live Tiles on the Windows 8 metro Start screen.