Add sparkle and interactivity to websites, blogs, or mobile devices by downloading or embedding the following informational and entertaining widgets for free.

Widgets are mini-applications that add interactive dimension to websites, blogs, mobile devices and computers. Widgets, also called gadgets, are non-intrusive, interactive applications that deliver up-to-date information and live data straight to the user.

Widgets offer convenience and ease-of-use. Users no longer have to search online or visit a particular website for information. Once the widget is downloaded or installed, the information is delivered to the computer desktop area, website or mobile device.

Some widgets provide news and weather alerts, while others offer a multi-media experience of non-stop fun. From games and puzzles to clocks and calendars, widgets are simple to use, customizable and convenient.

The widgets listed below, are informational, educational and just plain fun. Some can be added to websites and blogs, while others are strictly for users’ desktops. All are free and easy to use. Widgets require a live Internet connection and most have a small footprint.

Must-Have Widgets

• Wikipedia Search Widget – For Wikipedia lovers, this simple and clean search tool allows users to search and edit Wikipedia right from the desktop. Compatible with many languages, this Dashboard widget is for Mac OS X users.

• CNN Desktop Alerter – CNN brings the up-to-the-minute desktop alerts to you with Desktop Alerter. Other widgets, toolbar buttons, podcast widgets or web widgets are also available. Desktop Alerter is available for PC users.

• YouTube Desktop - This widget allows users to view YouTube videos right from the computer desktop. Select videos from “newest added”,“most viewed” and “top rated” categories. This widget is available for Mac, Linux, PC and iPhone platforms and can be embedded in websites, blogs,

• NASA-Widgets– Watch live NASA launches and landings, mission and crew reports and NASA information. Numerous widgets are available, including NASA TV, NASA Earth, NASA Cast. Dashboard version available for Mac OS X and Windows Vista Sidebar users.

• Post-it Software Notes Lite – From 3M, this version of the famous yellow post-it notes, is free. Write a memo, note or to-do list right from the desktop area. Alarms included. This desktop widget is for Windows users.

• The Weather Channel Widget – Provides local weather information with widgets for Vista sidebars, Mac Dashboard and Google Gadgets.

• Flight Level Aviation Weather Widget – This handy and informative desktop widget is for frequent travelers or aviator lovers. View local weather and updated weather information pilots use from METAR and TAF.. Available as a Dashboard widget for Mac OS X users and also Yahoo Widget for PC users.

• MTV Widget – Now MTV lovers can watch MTV right from the desktop with this new Dashboard widget for Mac OS X users.

• Gas-Cost Web Widget - Due to the increasing price of fuel, this web widget from Gas-Cost is especially handy. Gas-Cost web widget provides up-to-date information on the national average price of gasoline. To use, simply copy and paste the code into your blog or website.

• Internet Safety Web Widget – This web widget, available from WidgetBox, delivers important online safety news to the users’ blog or website at no cost. Install the web widget panel then add the Internet Safety Web Widget to the panel. An excellent resource for parents.

The widgets listed above provide information, entertainment and educational tools right at your fingertips.

For more information on widgets, read All About Widgets.