By far one of the least-known components. of Vista is WindO\ Sideshow. This handy tool can be'used in conjunction wi compatible devices to display all manner of information c a secondary screen or mobile device. From notebook PCs with main screen and a smaller secondary dIsplay, to mobile phones, wide range of devices can be used to keep up to date when aWl from your computer.

Through the use of 'Gadgets', supplementary displays can used to view information from website! and programs without II neeg to use your computer in the usual way. These mini prograD can display information from your email client, draw the late news from the internet and much more. Here, we show you ho to get started with this obscure, yet deceptively powerful, fool.

step 1
The number of devices that support the Windows Vista Sideshow feature is increasing, but currently Sideshow is mainly found on notebook computers. Sideshow-compatible devices, such as the Asus WSFe. look like an ordinary portable PC, complete with keyboard and standard screen. But when the notebook is closed, an additional smaller screen can be found on the lid.

This auxiliary display can be powered whether the laptop is switched on, powel\ down, or in sleep mode. As the contents of the screen can be vieW! even when the computer is not switched on, it is possible to kef up to date with important information, without wasting precio battery power. For example, the contents of your email inbox is your fingertips without needing to boot into Windows.

step 2
Sideshow is not limited to note¬book computers. There are a variety of devices that offer support in one form or another. Devices such as remote controls and digital photo frames, such as the 1 mate Momento, can display Sideshow Gadgets, which are essentially mini applications. The number and range of gadgets available means that devices that previously had a single function - such as controlling a television or displaying digital photos - can be extended into much more useful tools. A compatible TV remote can be used to check emails while watching the television, while a digitai photo frame can display not only images, but also the weather forecast or instant messaging conversations. With so many Gadgets to choose from, there is virtually no limit to what can be achived.

step 3
A piece of beta software from Microsoft can also be used to bring the power of Sideshow wirelessly to Pocket PCs and smartphones running Windows Mobile 5 or 6. To connect a device of this type using Sideshow, your computer must have Bluetooth capability and your mobile device needs to have .NET Compact Framework 2.0 9 installed.To download the Sideshow for Windows Mobile tool, /4t936h and click the Download button. Save the executable file to the desktop and once the download is complete, double-click it to start the installation.

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Step 4
The installer will offer to extract the files to a folder of your choice. Once extracted, connect your Windows Mobile device to the computer using a USB cable and select the option to browse the device. If NET Compact Framework 2.0 is not installed, copy the fl NETCFv2. WIn. armv4i. cab t9 the My Documents folder, run the ftl then restart. Now copy the file WindowsSi Show For Windows Mobile. cab to your mobile device, establish Bluetooth connection using the instructions provided with your device and then execute the file to install the Sideshow component.

step 5
On the Today, or Home screen of the desl Windows Mobile device, scroll to the newly added line that reads "Not connectedand click it. In Vista, open the Bluetooth
Control' Panel, select your mobile deviceclick Properties before moving to the
Services tab. Select the Windows Sideshow option. click OK and install the required driver when prompted. Back at the. mobile device, select the computer it is connected to and die Finish.

Initially, the Windows Sideshow screen that appears your mobile device will display the message 'No Gadgets a -turned on'. For now, to configure program options, click tl Menu button followed by Qptions. Here you caii:Jchoose h much space Sideshow should occupy on the home screen and M much storage it should use. Bear in mind, the Sideshow I Windows Mobile software is still in development, .so it may always function exactly as expected.

Step 6
Gadgets now need to be chosen for display. In Vista. click the Start button followed by the Control Panel link and then double-click the Windows Sideshow icon. Gadgets available automatically can be displayed by ticking .the boxes next to them. Some Gadgets require freque: updating, so click the 'Set my computer to wake automa ically' link and configure a schedule. To get more Gadgets, elie the 'Get more Gadgets online' link and browse the galler Click the Download button next to those you would like to use select the option to open the file with Windows' Sidebar. The Gadg< can then be enabled through the Control Panel.