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I'm using Windows 7 Professional and enjoy having the Clock, Weather, & Calendar Gadgets on my PC Desktop but I just learned there is a Security Risk using them.
If I am only using those 3 on the desktop, is the risk that bad?
And another question... if I am not using them on my Desktop and they are just sitting in the 'Gadget Gallery Folder', with the rest of all the Gadgets, is there still a Security Risk?
Personally I still use the gadgets I used back then, not all of them are a risk.
I just switched from Windows XP to a Refurbished Computer with Windows 7 Professional, so this is all new to me. When I discovered the Gadgets Gallery Folder I put the Calendar on my desktop, then I added the Weather and the Clock. I really like them.
Do you think those 3 that I am using are a risk?
There are several others in that Gadgets Gallery Folder that I don't use. Do you think having them sit in the folder and not on the PC Desktop will be a Security Risk?
I don't think a list of bad gadgets was ever released so I have no idea, nor do I recall any wave of attacks using this method. I think it was more that someone could create a gadget and use it against you if you installed it so I think you're fine with the stock ones.
When I still had my Windows 7 laptop, I also read that security risk note on Microsoft's website.........and ignored it i.e. I continued to use the (useful) calendar and weather gadgets.
Why?
In my opinion, EVERY program on a computer is a potential security risk, so I am not going to become paranoid about a couple of convenience items on my desktop.
And what's strange is that Windows 8.1 - what I am stuck with now - includes lots of "apps" on that irritating Start screen that usually do the same thing as 7's desktop gadgets ----> how come they aren't listed as security risks? Or are they, and I haven't read that part of their website yet?
When I still had my Windows 7 laptop, I also read that security risk note on Microsoft's website.........and ignored it i.e. I kept the (useful) calendar and weather gadgets.
Why?
In my opinion, EVERY program on a computer is a potential security risk, so I am not going to become paranoid about a couple of convenience items on my desktop.
And what's strange is that Windows 8.1 - what I am stuck with now - includes lots of "apps" on that irritating Start screen that usually do the same thing as 7's desktop gadgets ----> how come they aren't listed as security risks? Or are they, and I haven't read that part of their website yet?
While they may technically provide some of the same information in a similar fashion (being HTML based), they are really different in how they are built, and the Win8 apps are completely sandboxed in a much different fashion than the gadgets were.
That said, I have one gadget running on my Windows 7 desktop still.
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