Arriving at the desktop of a PC marks the beginning of the day or session for almost every PC user out there.  This desktop, originally meant to emulate the workspace of your actual desk, has not changed much since the early days of the operating system.  Users can change out the wallpaper to view exotic locations, family photos or abstract images and store shortcuts to access documents, programs, web sites, etc.  Other than that, the space is really an untouched area of the computer that is ignored as we jump from task to task throughout our work day or browsing session.  Why is that?  Wouldn’t it be more helpful if this area provided important information to help guide us through our day.  Can we please get a Functional Desktop?

Over the last few days, we have shared information on “skinning” your background to provide entertainment (see links to previous articles below).  Today, we show you how to make that space functional as well.   The Functional Desktop is available to PC users, yet it has never been very mainstream.  There are numerous programs available and each has a very different take on how you, the user, should organize your desktop for efficiency.  These programs also range from basic, easy-to-install applications to fully customizable, “you might as well be an engineer” programs that allow you to completely change the way you use your desktop and your PC.  We’re going to provide you with a few options, covering this range, that you can begin using today.

Level I – Widgets (easy)

“Widget” is not just a term used in basic algebraic equations in junior high.  It is also the term given to small, convenient programs that provide information.  Widgets can be installed using external programs (like Yahoo! Widgets), but also come standard in Windows Vista and Windows 7, where they are called Gadgets.  Much like adding Apps to an iPhone or iPod Touch, you simply choose the Widget you want, install it and it appears on your desktop.  These Widgets can show you the weather, tell the time, report the latest sports scores, provide stock quotes… The list goes on and on.

Widgets on Desktop (My Deals Widget Install)

What makes Widgets especially useful is that you can “place” them just about anywhere you want (within the desktop) without disturbing your wallpaper or shortcuts.  Choose any number of widgets you want and have information delivered to you without every opening your browser.  Best of all, Widgets are FREE!

Level II – Clocks and Calendars (mid-level)

For most of the working world, keeping track of the time and your calendar are top priority.  Microsoft Outlook does a great job of managing this information, but you can also use your desktop to help.  After all, there are times when you might forget to open Outlook or the Exchange Server (which manages this info for companies) is down!

• Wallpaper Clocks – Your wallpaper can change to completely different images or, with a wallpaper clock (from VladStudio), can simply update itself to show you the current date and time.  This information can be shown in an artistic and fun way.  The program comes with a free 30-day trial (through the use of Chameleon Clock) and will set you back $29 if you decide to keep using it.  While it isn’t free, it does provide a great service and it is a one-time fee.

Wallpaper Clock changes With the Date and Time

• Desktop Calendar – Although there might be some other programs out there, I like the look and feel of Active Desktop Calendar, which puts your calendar, notes, alarms and contacts right on your desktop.  Integration with Outlook and/or Google Calendars is possible, meaning you don’t have to keep information in two places to make use of this seamless application.  This program does come at a cost ($29.90) but might be well worth it for those who are constantly showing up late for meetings and appointments.

Active Desktop Calendar

Level III – Samurize (difficult)

If you require more control and functionality and are willing to put in the time and effort, you can make your desktop do just about anything you can dream of.  A wonderful program call Samurize allows users to access a plethora of information about their computer performance, calendar, clock, weather, mail, music…. I’ve seen Samurize desktops that update you on blog posts and sports scores.  You can essentially have the best of Levels I and II (shown above) integrated into a format and color pattern of your choosing, creating a theme that no one else on the planet has.

Samurize is FREE and has already been downloaded almost 800,000 times.  There is a vast community of users who help each other with customizations and integration, so you won’t be venturing out on your own.

Samurize Desktops - Anything is Possible (click to enlarge)

Previous Articles on “Skinning” Your Desktop

Desktop Departures – Escape With a Wallpaper Change – multi-display desktops

Wallpaper Slideshows – You Don’t Have to Choose Just One – wallpapers that change at regular intervals

Tags: Calendars, Clocks, customize, desktop, Efficient, functional, Gadgets, Organized, Outlook, Samurize, wallpaper, Widgets

This entry was posted on Wednesday, March 24th, 2010 at 10:17 am and is filed under Tips and Tricks. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.