Microsoft Gadgets vs Start8

Struggling to choose between Microsoft Gadgets and Start8? Both products offer unique advantages, making it a tough decision.

Microsoft Gadgets is a Os & Utilities solution with tags like widgets, desktop, customization, miniapps.

It boasts features such as Mini-applications that run on Windows desktop, Displayed information like news, weather, clocks, calendars, Customizable widgets for personal use, RSS/Atom feed support, Sidebar for organizing gadgets, Scripting support and pros including Convenient at-a-glance information, Highly customizable and personalizable, Added functionality to the desktop, Easy to install and use.

On the other hand, Start8 is a Os & Utilities product tagged with start-menu, windows-8, windows-7, interface, desktop.

Its standout features include Restores the classic Start menu, Adds a Start button to the taskbar, Lets you boot directly to the desktop, Customizable Start menu with resizable tiles, Start menu skins and styles, Taskbar customization options, Advanced configuration settings, and it shines with pros like Brings back familiar Windows 7 interface, Highly customizable, Easy to use, Affordable pricing.

To help you make an informed decision, we've compiled a comprehensive comparison of these two products, delving into their features, pros, cons, pricing, and more. Get ready to explore the nuances that set them apart and determine which one is the perfect fit for your requirements.

Microsoft Gadgets

Microsoft Gadgets

Microsoft Gadgets were mini-applications and feeds that could be placed on the Windows Vista and Windows 7 desktop. They provided information at a glance, like news feeds, clocks, and slideshows.

Categories:
widgets desktop customization miniapps

Microsoft Gadgets Features

  1. Mini-applications that run on Windows desktop
  2. Displayed information like news, weather, clocks, calendars
  3. Customizable widgets for personal use
  4. RSS/Atom feed support
  5. Sidebar for organizing gadgets
  6. Scripting support

Pricing

  • Free

Pros

Convenient at-a-glance information

Highly customizable and personalizable

Added functionality to the desktop

Easy to install and use

Cons

Security vulnerabilities

Performance impact on some systems

Limited selection of gadgets

Discontinued in Windows 8


Start8

Start8

Start8 is a program that restores the Start menu and other interface features from Windows 7 and earlier versions in Windows 8 and 8.1. It brings back the familiar Start button, Start menu, and boot to desktop capabilities for users who prefer the classic Windows user experience.

Categories:
start-menu windows-8 windows-7 interface desktop

Start8 Features

  1. Restores the classic Start menu
  2. Adds a Start button to the taskbar
  3. Lets you boot directly to the desktop
  4. Customizable Start menu with resizable tiles
  5. Start menu skins and styles
  6. Taskbar customization options
  7. Advanced configuration settings

Pricing

  • Free
  • One-time purchase
  • Subscription-based

Pros

Brings back familiar Windows 7 interface

Highly customizable

Easy to use

Affordable pricing

Cons

May not appeal to Windows 8 fans

Requires an extra program just to get basic Windows features

Some customization options require paid upgrades