Given the small number of Linux users compared to those who choose Windows operating systems, one might expect that the OS does not have a lot of great widgets. After all, common sense says that a smaller market means fewer developers will create widgets for the Linux system. Actually, though, there are plenty of great widgets for Linux users. Best of all, since they are open source, you can alter them to suit your specific needs. Here are some of the top choices.
Screenlets
Screenlets has a core package that includes over a dozen Linux widgets. The simplest widget in the package is probably RulerScreenlet, which displays a ruler on your screen. ClearWeatherSreenlet, which displays weather info on your desktop, and GmailScreenlet, which lets you access your Gmail account without opening a browser, are extremely useful.
Super Karamba
Super Karamba is one of the most popular widget makers for Linux systems. Super Karamba, however, does not refer to their tiny programs as widgets. Instead, they call them themes. No matter what you want to call them, they are handy tools for your desktop that allow you to play music, play games, check headlines and make virtual pets (seriously). Super Karamba admits that some of their widgets are little more than “eye candy,” but they are fun nonetheless.
Moonlight
Moonlight is a widget generator that lets Linux users take advantage of Silverlight, the video software that Netflix uses. Moonlight allows you to access all content created for Silverlight. This is great for Linux users because it allows them to enjoy the benefits of software developed by Microsoft. Like other Linux widgets, Moonlight is open source software, so you can tweak it to fit your preferences.
Making Widgets for Linux
New widgets for Linux are released every week. Instead of settling for the ones that you already use, keep an eye out for innovative updates that will give you better control over your computer.