.WIDGET File Type
File extension: WIDGET or .widget
Description: Yahoo! Widget
Author of the .widget file extension: Konfabulator/Yahoo!
Category: Miscellaneous file
Programs that use the .widget file type: Yahoo!
Explanation of .widget file extensions:
The .widget file extension was originally used with Konfabulator which is now part of Yahoo! These files are small executable programs that are run on the Yahoo! Widget Engine. These programs reside on your desktop providing you with nifty gizmos such as calendars, clocks, weather information, sports reports, countdowns, and thousands of other items.
Typical problems associated with the .widget file extension:
One of the most common problems with .widget files is system performance degradation. Some of these programs can slow your system down.
Another problem is when widgets won’t display properly due to lost Internet connections.
The third problem surrounding widgets is spyware. If the Widgets dock does not appear or if you cannot see the System Tray gear icon for Widgets, you very likely have a spyware infection.
Solutions/Recommendations:
Yahoo! has over 4000 widgets listed on their site for free download. However, the majority of these were created and submitted by the general public. Because of this, the individual programs may not have been designed with your computer’s performance in mind. If you find that a particular widget is using too much of your system resources, remove it and report the problem to Yahoo! by emailing widgets-abuse@cc.yahoo-inc.com. Attach the Widget to the email. You can find .widget files in a folder titled “My Widgets” or “Widgets” on your computer.
If your widgets won’t display on the desktop, it is likely because your Internet connection has been lost. Reconnect to the Internet and they should return.
Spyware is a major problem and can affect widgets. Not only might you have a spyware program before installing widgets, the widgets themselves could be carrying a nasty payload. Use a good, up-to-date anti-spyware program to remove spyware and prevent new infections.
Associated links:
Yahoo! Widgets - http://widgets.yahoo.com/
fileextensiontype.com