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Tumblr 101: Tips And Tricks To Get Started
Run Dashboard on your Mac desktop full-time
This is a tip that is probably only going to appeal to a small subset of Mac users, but those of you that have been looking for a way to do this are going to love it. The Mac's Dashboard widget environment does not run on your desktop full-time, but rather must be invoked with a keystroke, typically the F12 key. Other widget engines like The process involves running a command in a terminal window, then remembering to press and hold the F12 key while dragging a widget from Dashboard to your desktop, where it will continue to run indefinitely. This functionality is taking advantage of the Dashboard developer mode, and is not a hack; Dashboard is supposed to be able to do this.
Keep in mind that every open widget consumes precious resources including both memory and CPU cycles. One nice thing about using a key to invoke your Dashboard is that when it is not in view, OS X is pretty smart about not letting the widgets eat up processor cycles. But if you don't mind the potential performance hit, give Kevin's advice a go.
Comments
4
Subscribe to commentssurfwax95Jun 14th 2007 5:33PM
Actually, as of 10.4.4, I believe, the Terminal command to turn on Devmode isn't necessary. Simply invoke Dashboard with F12, then 'grab' a widget from the widget bar at the bottom and hit F12 again. Then drop.
KalessinJun 14th 2007 6:13PM
@ surfwax95: Thanks, I had no idea you could do that.
DrunkPenguinJun 15th 2007 10:49AM
The only bad thing about this is that the widgets are always on top, blocking everything underneath. I would love to have them visible all the time but can't due to my limited screen space.
Does anyone know of a way to get them to act like any other window and drop back when not in use, or sit on the desktop?
JorgenAug 1st 2007 1:31PM
"Does anyone know of a way to get them to act like any other window and drop back when not in use, or sit on the desktop?"
Yes. Use Amnesty (search MacUpdate).