Web Search Garage

Web-Based Gadgets

I differentiate between a tool and a gadget this way: a tool is something you have to download and install on your computer (like a program that sits on your desktop, a search toolbar, or a bookmarklet you put into your browser. They can be pretty hefty and can perform several tasks. Tools are Good Things.

But sometimes you don't need a tool to do what you need to do. Sometimes a tool is overkill. Maybe you just need a small item to do one thing. Sometimes you can find a Web page on the Internet that has the very thing you're looking for. I call those items “gadgets” because they don't require downloading, they're usually light, and they perform one task.

There are plenty of gadgets available online that can make your research ...