Gadgets : Gadgets vs. Widgets

If you are familiar with the world of computers of high tech at all then you have probably heard the terms 'gadgets' and 'widgets.' What makes gadgets different than widgets? Read on to find out.

Gadgets and widgets are both single-service applications. These means that they are little windows or boxes that serve a single purpose. Gadgets and widgets can help you tell time, keep track of what you need to do, make calculations, tell you the weather, make conversions, keep track of your favorite RSS feeds and a whole number of other services. What makes gadgets and widgets different is where they can be used.

Widgets are generally pieces of html code that can be copied and pasted anywhere that html is used-this includes websites, blogs, your social networks and a number of other places. Gadgets, on the other hand, cannot be copied and pasted anywhere. Gadgets can be used only in the specific website or operating system they are designed for. For instance, there are gadgets designed by Microsoft that can be used exclusively in Windows and gadgets designed by Google that can only be used in iGoogle and other Google services.

Both widgets and gadgets can be very useful and help you to simplify your life, be it by compiling all your favorite feeds together, keeping track of your schedule or simply keeping you updated on the time of day.