Now more and more people find it interesting to use the sidebar for Windows XP. Thanks to this program, you can install various gadgets that look very colorful, making your desktop more comfortable and less dry. In addition, most of these gadgets are functional applications and facilitate your work on a PC by displaying on side panel various functions (for example, timing, convenient volume control, and so on).
But the sidebar is not built into Windows. In order to use all these gadgets, we need to install the Widows Sidebar program. Please note that this program is a development of the company Microsoft, thanks to which the question of the security of your computer disappears.
So, in this article we will look at the process of installing the program. Widows Sidebar... First, you need to download the installation file of the original version of this program. The link to the file is given at the end of the article.... Do not worry about the security of your computer - on our site all the proposed files have been checked and rechecked by antivirus software. Having found and downloaded the installation file, you need to open it, after which you will see the following window:
It is not necessary to close all applications, since after the installation process is completed, the program will most likely still ask you to restart the computer. We boldly press the button " Further ", After which this window appears in front of our eyes:
Unfortunately, it is impossible to change the installation directory of this program, so here we have to dutifully agree with the proposed folder and click “ Install ". This is followed by a quick installation process, which takes on average from half a minute to two to three minutes, depending on the characteristics of the PC. After installation, the last installation window appears in front of us, which looks like this:
For Microsoft WindowsVista, the sidebar is a standard utility operating system that allows you to use so-called gadgets in your work - useful mini - applications that significantly expand the range of tasks performed from the desktop, make working at the computer more convenient and reduce the time spent on various operations. For the first time, the sidebar appeared at the third stage of development of WindowsVista (WindowsLonghornbuild 3683) and even then it had transparency and allowed launching many gadgets, among which were both rather useless, like "User icons", and extremely convenient. For example, "DesktopManager" allows you to simultaneously manage four desktops at once, similar to how it is done in Ubuntu.
Installing the sidebar for Windows XP using the WindowsSidebar program
Unfortunately, many of these gadgets were not included in the final release of Windows Vista, however, users, appreciating all the convenience of the sidebar, would like to have it on computers running Windows XP. Microsoft did not develop this program for this version of Windows, but its counterparts were released by other developers, among which, first of all, it is worth mentioning Thoosje Sidebar, Yahoo! Widgets and Google Desktop. Adaptations also appeared original panel under Windows XP. Here's how to use in practice one of these adapted versions, we will talk in more detail.
The sidebar must be installed at C: ProgramFilesWindowsSidebar. It cannot be changed.
After rebooting, you can install the side panel on the desktop, for which you need to run the following steps:
The side bar of the "Dovetail" type, also called "tide" is used for installation on weapons, where the installation of optics is carried out using side brackets, for exampleThe sidebar will appear after launch from the right side of the Windows XP desktop.
Attention: Installation of the side bracket is not possible without the base plate!
Can I install the side bar with my own hands?
This is a very common question. Most gun owners simply do not risk doing anything with their own hands, for fear of ruining appearance or damage the structure. Of course, fears of this kind are not unfounded, but if everything is done carefully, then you will not have any problems.What you need to install the plank:
- Weapon
- Plank
- Drill
- Drill for metal
- Kerner
- Hammer
- Fine pliers / forceps
- Pencil
The bar is supplied in a blister, the package includes: 3 screws and 3 nuts
To correctly install the bump on the receiver, it is necessary to match the spherical protrusion on the AK with the hole for it on the bar. Highlighted in color in the photo. 
The pins fixing the trigger serve as an additional installation marker
Now you need to make marks for the screws. This can be done easily with a pencil.
Be careful! The bar must be moved as far forward as possible, and the front part must be moved down as far as possible.
Why go ahead: the bar with the installed bracket and optics will move forward under the influence of recoil, therefore, it is necessary to completely rest it against the stopper.
Why down: in the lowest position of the front part of the bar, it abuts against the stopper and it is in this position that the prism becomes parallel to the aiming line. If we neglect this, in the future there will be difficulties with vertical corrections. 
Pencil markers are clearly visible
We take a center punch and mark the holes so that the drill does not slide over the surface
We measure the holes in the bar and get 4 mm, which means we also use the drill 4 mm or higher. We had a 4.5 mm drill bit, because the nut is fixed with a margin, stopped on it. 
It is highly recommended to use a sturdy drill bit as the cheap will likely wear off before you drill the hole, the box is very strong. We used this.
We remove the store and drill. Be careful with the pressing force, of course, you are unlikely to damage something inside the AK by touching the drill, but you should not lose your vigilance. After drilling, the box will look like this
Now we fix the bar on the box, in order to counter the nut inside, we use the tongs that were at hand.
The bar is secure. To close the issue, you can finally use a thread lock, but in normal use this is unnecessary.
Now we install our side bracket on the tide, for example, with it installed on it for clarity for the sake of 
Everything about everything took us no more than 15 minutes. So the conclusion suggests itself: if you have the simplest tools and skills to work with them, installing a side base bar on an AK, Saiga or VPO is not difficult. We hope our article will help you in this simple matter.
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Side steps (side sills or arches, platforms, steps, power sills, car platform, etc.) - all these names mean the same accessory for tuning minibuses and SUVs. This is a power (protective) body kit. Already from the name itself it becomes clear why it is needed. So what are its main functions?
Car body protection from damage
If footboards (thresholds) are installed on the car, then it is on them that road dirt accumulates in snowy and slushy weather. And from them, and not from the body paintwork, pebbles and other road particles fly off. If another vehicle enters the side of your SUV, or if it falls into a deep hole or rut, only the side steps will be damaged, and the metal of the body will not be damaged (unless the impact is too strong).
But if your car is not equipped with side steps, then in case of collisions with others vehicles and road obstacles (large stones, stumps, etc.), the standard threshold and the central door pillar often immediately bend. As a result, the door usually jams and the car enthusiast expects expensive repairs. Wouldn't it be better to think about it ahead of time and get some inexpensive side steps to save on future repairs?
Comfort for drivers and passengers
For SUVs, power thresholds are vital in cases where the passengers of the car are elderly people or small children - it will be much easier for them to get into the salon if there is a special step. In addition, the side steps of the car keep your clothes clean when getting into the car in slush. You can also install a jack under the thresholds or just stand on them in order, for example, to fix the load on the rails or wipe the roof from dirt.
Make the vehicle more aggressive and individual
Agree, a minibus or SUV equipped with such a protective body kit looks much more solid, spectacular and more aggressive. And for a real motorist, this is just as important as the functions of the accessory listed above.
Thresholds: types and features
Bending pipe footboards - in this case, the base is a pipe made of stainless steel, which, at a distance of 8-12 cm from the edges, has bends at an angle of 20 degrees (in some cases, 90 degrees). Additionally, they can be equipped with anti-slip treads.
Another type of straight pipe footboards with a tread are straight steel pipes to which treads are attached - rubberized or plastic pads that provide a comfortable fit in a car in inclement weather (do not slip). Sometimes they are made of aluminum profiles.
Automotive platform - made of steel, and most often of aluminum. Has several anti-slip plastic pads. Can be perforated.
Installation of thresholds is quite easy if you are not purchasing a universal model, but a kit for a specific car brand. Stores presented big choice such accessories for tuning SUVs and minibuses. The scope of delivery includes all the necessary brackets and fasteners, so there is no need to drill the body - the footrests are installed in the standard body holes provided by the car manufacturer.
A properly installed protective body kit (side sills) can easily withstand a load of 150 kg.
One of the most common types of auto-tuning, which is available to any car enthusiast, is the installation of deflectors for the side windows of the car. In addition to the fact that the original translucent stripes on the door frame significantly improve the look of the car, they have many useful functions.
Do-it-yourself installation of side window deflectors - where to start?
The key to a problem-free installation of deflectors is their right choice... It should be remembered that the deflectors on the windows are selected for a specific car model. The brand and model of the machine for which the products are intended are necessarily indicated on the packaging or are made on the surface of the elements in the form of a relief embossing.
There are no universal deflectors, since each car model has its own unique body design. When buying, it should be noted that some cars have decorative chrome trims on the door frames. For this case, an imitation of a chrome lining is performed on the deflectors so that it does not spoil the look of the car.
Currently, a large number of manufacturers, including Chinese, are engaged in the production of deflectors. Original deflectors will cost an order of magnitude more, and must be left for the car owner. Before paying for your purchase, it is imperative to try on each deflector in its place. In case of the slightest mismatch in dimensions or bending lines, the entire set must be replaced.
What does the installation of deflectors on the car windows give?
- the car interior is partially protected from sunlight;
- when driving, an aerodynamic flow is created, which carries away dust, debris, small road stones;
- in rainy weather, you can drive with the windows ajar;
- the turbulence of the air allows the interior to be ventilated, which helps passengers if the driver smokes.
Installation of deflectors on windows can be done using metal brackets, gluing to the outer surface of the door frame or installation between the sealing rubber of the movable glass and the door frame. The first method proved to be impractical and went out of use. Metal staples and rigid attachment resulted in scratches and chips on paintwork... In this regard, two other options should be considered.
How to install deflectors on windows by gluing?
The vast majority of deflector models are already equipped with adhesive tape for gluing them to the door frame. This greatly facilitates the work, but, on the other hand, forces us to take the process with the utmost responsibility, because in case of unsuccessful gluing, you will have to leave the deflector skewed or tear it off and re-glue it.
To install the deflectors, it is necessary to select suitable conditions. The place where the machine is located must be warm and dry. The body must be washed and dried. It is ideal to perform the procedure on a warm, windless summer day right outside. For work, in addition to a set of deflectors, you will need: a dry clean cloth and any liquid for degreasing (alcohol, "anti-silicone" or ordinary vodka).
Installation of side window deflectors is carried out according to certain rules. The protective packaging is removed from the deflectors (usually it is a polyethylene film on both sides, it cannot be removed from the adhesive strip). Then they are tried on at the installation site, at the same time on the front and back door, the gluing site is precisely determined. The door frame at the gluing point is cleaned and degreased with a cloth moistened with the prepared liquid. In the front and back of the deflector, the protective film is peeled off from the adhesive layer by about 3-4 centimeters, its ends are brought up, and the deflector itself is applied in place and its edges are glued with a light pressure. After making sure that it is installed correctly, the film is removed from the rest of the adhesive layer. Next, you should press it against the door frame along the entire length with gentle pressure. A similar operation is repeated with each door in the same way.
Instructions for installing window deflectors without gluing
Among the models of deflectors, one can notice those that do not have a strip for gluing and other fastening devices. Some car models, such as the VAZ "classic", allow the installation of deflectors without fixing. The dimensions of the plates are selected in such a way that the edges rest against the corners of the window frame, and the side is pressed with a sealing rubber of the window glass (velvet tape). Installation of deflectors in this case is extremely simple.
Before inserting the elements into their original place, it is necessary to lower the glass and, using a thin plastic plate, peel off the rubber seal from the outer part of the window frame at the deflector installation site.
By itself, the gum is not specially glued, but it can stick to the anti-corrosion grease, which is used to process the window frame after painting. Slightly bending the deflector in the middle part, the outer edge is inserted into the gap between the seal and the door frame. The correctness of installation is checked by closing the glass, which must freely enter the seal groove.
Problems with the installation of deflectors on the side windows and their operation
As in any other business, difficulties can arise during the installation of deflectors. Although manufacturers of tuning elements try to use high-quality adhesives for gluing, such well-known brands as "ZM", it may happen that the strip partially does not stick, or comes off during operation.
Double-sided assembly tape can help in such a situation. For repairs, it is necessary to cut a strip of adhesive tape of the required size, stick it with one side on the deflector, and the other on the door frame, observing the above algorithm of actions. You should also do if the deflector has to be re-glued, but before that it is necessary to wash the gluing site with warm soapy water or wipe it with a solvent.
