From tracking stock portfolios and mortgage rates to menstrual cycles and baby due dates, widgets are the latest Web wonder to hit desktops. Widgets, or shortcut links downloaded to computer desktops, are gaining so much popularity that corporations are using them as a marketing tool. "The user's desktop is extremely valuable, it's prime real estate," said Paul Brody, Yahoo vice president of desktop products, in Sunnyvale, California. Desktop widgets, also known as gadgets or modules, serve as short cuts to other Web sites. They are becoming very diverse, represented by pictures, logos and or even interactive games.

Read More..