Documentation 

To provide an integrated experience across all gadgets, be sure to follow Microsoft terminology conventions for your gadgets. Also be aware of how to properly use the trademarked terms that are associated with Windows SideShow. This section describes the conventions and rules that apply to gadget terminology.

"Windows SideShow"

• The terms "Windows" and "SideShow" are trademarked by Microsoft.
• Do not use "Windows SideShow" as an adjective. To describe a device as compatible with Windows SideShow, precede it with "Windows SideShow-compatible".
  Correct:
  Windows SideShow-compatible device
  Incorrect:
  Windows SideShow device
• Always use the complete name "Windows SideShow"—never use "SideShow" alone.
  Correct:
  Windows SideShow technology
  Incorrect:
  SideShow technology
• "SideShow" is spelled as a single word, with the second "S" capitalized.
  Correct:
  Windows SideShow
  Incorrect:
  Windows Side Show
  Windows Sideshow

"Gadget" versus "device"

• Users are likely to confuse these two terms. Therefore, use caution when you write both terms in a sentence (for example, "Turn on gadgets for your devices.")—be sure to use the terms accurately and consistently.
• On first mention of the term "gadget" define it briefly to alleviate confusion (for example, "… use gadgets, or add-in programs, to …")
• On first mention of the term "device", use the full term "Windows SideShow-compatible device". Consider using the full term occasionally throughout, to increase clarity.

"Turn on" versus "install" gadgets

Users may confuse the initial action of installing a gadget with the later action of turning on the gadget. Therefore, make sure that your users understand the difference between the two terms, and ensure that the two terms are not confused in your text.

Correct:

"Turn on" rather than "enable" gadgets

Always use "turn on" to refer to how the user enables a gadget and "turn off" to refer to how the user disables a gadget. Never use "enable" in documentation for users.

Correct:

"Notifications"

• Notifications appear both in Windows and on Windows SideShow-compatible devices. When you refer to a notification, it is important to clarify for your users which type of notification is being referenced.
• On first mention of the term "notification," and whenever it is necessary to clarify where the notification comes from, use language similar to "notification on the device" or "notification on your computer." Do not refer to any notification as a "Windows notification."
  Correct:
  Show notifications for gadgets on this device.
• On subsequent mention, and when the context is clear, the word "notification" alone is sufficient.
  Correct:
  This check box does not appear if the device doesn't offer notifications.

For more information about notifications in Windows Vista, see Notifications.