While I'm not a huge fan of lists or polls, it might be helpful to others to see what 'essential' free apps you couldn't live without. Feel free to include links if they aren't obvious.

Mine..,

1. Desktop Sidebar
2. Revo Uninstaller
3. JLC's Internet TV
http://jlc-software.com/?page=internet_tv.html Thanks whs !
4. Crossloop
5. Firefox

While not as slick as WS, DS is much more stable, uses half as much RAM, has dozens of fully configurable panels and im my opinion, the best thing since sliced bread. It literally has saved tons of my time and in one case, made a boatload of money (story for another time).

The community there is awesome and questions are answered quickly (usually) and politely.

Here is the link www.desktopsidebar.com , though the pages haven't been updated in a while. If you or anyone else reading this needs assistance with configuring, I'll do my best to help.

This image is of my desktop. DS is on the left ;)

http://www.howtogeek.com/howto.....for-vista/

@Scott, you are very welcome for the TV. I am glad you enjoy it.
@Pipo, I have never had my Windows Sidebar crash and I run it since day 1.

The "must have" programs list is really very difficult to sort. If I go by what I use most, it is without doubt the IE to be on the Forum and to tune into my french internet radio all day long. For system help, I like Process Explorer, WinPatrol, Spybot, CCleaner. For photo editing, Gimp2 is an absolutely superb free program with a lot of function and an excellent documentation - but quite complex. For miscellaneous little tasks I like FastStone Capture as snipping tool (costs a few $ these days), Desk Pins (recommended by taybay) and the AppLauncher in my sidebar to launch any program, file or folder with 1 click. But the absolute top of my list is held by Norton Ghost 14 (a licensed program) well worth it's money). It allows me to recover from my external disk regardless what happens (virus, internal disk crash, total lockout or worse). The few dollars it costs beats days of work to reestablish the system when disaster strikes. If you want peace of mind, you should get it.

@whs
now that you've mentioned it, i think one of my gadgets crashed, which is why i don't use windows sidebar anymore.

here is my list

1. firefox

2. utorrent

3. boodshed dev c++

4. winrar

5. k-lite codec pack

now i have to also add open office

Sorry, without changing my list I need to include Pidgin, the multi protocol Instant Messenger client.

And your suppose to be a minimalist Lighthouse .....

firefox is the top named free ware here

where could i find some nice sidebar widgits looking for one that shows my cpu temp

or others that you think are cool

i use Thoosje Vista sidebar but i am using on xp

edit: if there is nothing for this one what would be a good one for xp then