GadgetPack (formerly 8GadgetPack) vs SAWAS Dashboard

GadgetPack (formerly 8GadgetPack) brings desktop gadgets to 64-bit Windows 7, 8.1, 10 and 11. It installs a modified version of the Gadget Platform from Windows 7, and lets users add .gadget files. The package includes gadgets such as a sidebar, agenda, clocks, calendar, currency display, CPU meter, drive information and network monitor. Other listed categories include weather, reminders, sticky notes, calculator, volume control, unit conversion and radio. Win+Shift+G displays and switches between gadgets; GadgetPack Tools can optionally assign that function to Win+G. The software is free. Installation requires administrative rights, and both the installer and website are English-only, although many gadgets have other localizations. The site warns that gadgets may contain viruses or trojans, and opening one carries the risk of running an executable file. The developer says the project is maintained in spare time, so replies to feedback can take time.

SAWAS Dashboard is a modular desktop widget that keeps clock, system, network, notes, browser favorites, and support-link modules visible behind ordinary windows. Its system module shows live CPU and RAM use, while the network module reports current download and upload rates. It records CPU, RAM, and network history locally in SQLite every 15 seconds and displays day, week, or month charts. Favorites can read bookmarks from Chrome and Microsoft Edge profiles, with search and pinning. The local-network scanner uses ping, ARP, and reverse DNS, and can scan every 30 minutes while the PC is idle. A speed test reports ping, download, and upload, and can run on the same idle schedule using speedtest-cli. Users can add Python modules in the dashboard’s modules folder. The maker says there is no telemetry, cloud service, or sign-in, and that dashboard data stays on the PC. Its plan is free, for private and commercial use, with no ads or subscription.