New Vista Ultimate Extras Available
When Windows Vista was released consumers were excited with the Ultimate version that would supply extra applications to them via the Windows Update. It was thought that these extras would be similar to the Plus Packs Microsoft released for all prior versions of the OS. It has panned out quite that way and it seems like there is a stall on applications being supplied to Ultimate users. Well I got some good news. There were 3 new Ultimate Extras released last week including a new game, a new sound scheme and content pack #4 for Windows DreamScene.
The content pack is just more animated desktop backgrounds that are rarely used due to DreamScene taking up too much memory and CPU cycles. The sound scheme is self explanatory and can be enabled through the Control Panel, Sound.
The game is called Microsoft Tinker and is quite good. It is a logic based game where you must navigate Tinker (a robot) to a spinning disc platform to get to the next stage. Tinker is 3D and has some smooth background music. In the help you are supposed to be able to use a gamepad, but I have been unable to get mine to work with the game.
Since there have been very few extras released to us Ultimate users, anything is better than nothing I suppose.
Useful Windows Vista Sidebar Gadgets
If you are looking to spruce up your Windows Desktop with some cool Sidebar Gadgets, it could be a daunting task looking for ones through the vast list of almost 3,000 on Microsoft’s Website. I have found 4 free very useful gadgets that you might like.
 All CPU Meter Website Monitors your CPU usage and Memory. Compatible with dual and quad core chips. Choose from 7 different colored backgrounds and 2 different graph displays. |
 All Search Website Search directly from your Sidebar using Google, Live, eBay, YouTube, Amazon and 5 others. This gadget is transparent so it blends into your Desktop. |
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 ProWeather Website The current weather of up to 2 different cities. Very graphical with fly-out tabs that show you a 10 day forecast. Much better than the default one included with Vista. |
 Wp-Corp Mail Checker Website Automatic email checker of up to 5 accounts. It can check POP and IMAP protocols. Several highlighting features and the ability to have sound notifications for new email. |
