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.

Feature	Microsoft Gadgets	Start8
Overall Score	N/A	N/A
Primary Category	Os & Utilities	Os & Utilities

Product Overview

Microsoft Gadgets

Description: 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.

Start8

Description: 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.

Key Features Comparison

Microsoft Gadgets Features

• 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

Start8 Features

• 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

Pros & Cons Analysis

Microsoft Gadgets

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

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

Pricing Comparison

Microsoft Gadgets

• Free

Start8

• Free
• One-time purchase
• Subscription-based