One of the major changes but Windows 8 operating system it was removing the Sidebar SI and Gadgets, quite loved by a large part of the users Windows Vista and Windows 7. Reason specified by Microsoft, displayed on The official page a Windows Personalizations Gallery, is the following:
Because we want to focus on the exciting possibilities of the newest version of Windows, the Windows website no longer hosts the gadget gallery.
The reason real but it is different. Very dear gadget-ouri contained vulnerability which enabled its hackers execute by remote codes who could compromise computers users. The same is valid for non-Microsoft gadgets, which are still used on operating systems Windows Vista, Windows 7 and even Windows 8.
An attacker who successfully exploited a Gadget vulnerability could run arbitrary code in the context of the current user. If the current user is logged on with administrative user rights, an attacker could take complete control of the affected system. An attacker could then install programs; view, change, or delete data; or create new accounts with full user rights. Users whose accounts are configured to have fewer user rights on the system could be less impacted than users who operate with administrative user rights.
How can we protect our computers from the existing vulnerabilities in Sidebar and Gadgets?
Although somewhat veiled, Microsoft warns users to disable the Sidebar and Gadgets to avoid compromising operating systems.
Disabling the Windows Sidebar and Gadgets can help protect customers from vulnerabilities that involve the execution of arbitrary code by the Windows Sidebar when running insecure Gadgets. In addition, Gadgets installed from untrusted sources can harm your computer and can access your computer’s files, show you objectionable content, or change their behavior at any time.
In addition, to give them a helping hand, Microsoft has also launched a Fix It automatic which solves the problem with a single click (disable gadgets). For users interested in this Fix It, this can be download tat of here (KB2719662).
Unfortunately for gadget fans, these are not worth putting your PCs at risk, that's why it is recommended to disable them!
STEALTH SETTINGS – Protect your PCs by disabling Windows 7 and Windows Vista Sidebar & Gadgets
