SAWAS Dashboard

SAWAS Dashboard is a Windows desktop widget for people who want system monitoring, notes, browser favorites, and local-network tools in one place. Its main appeal is a broad set of practical modules with no subscription; the Python-based setup and plain-text network credentials are important trade-offs.

Overview

Rather than a conventional app window, SAWAS sits behind normal windows and brings together a clock, CPU and RAM readings, network rates, notes, browser favorites, and support links. Custom layouts let users arrange those modules to suit their desktop. That combination makes it a useful fit for Windows users who want at-a-glance utilities without a cloud account, but it is less suitable for anyone seeking a service that syncs across devices or a more secure place to store network passwords.

Key features

Live monitoring and history

CPU and RAM usage and network transfer rates update in real time. The dashboard also saves this history locally in SQLite every 15 seconds, with day, week, and month charts. Those charts add value for users who want to review patterns instead of seeing only current readings, while the local storage keeps the data tied to the PC.

Favorites and network tools

Favorites modules read bookmarks from Chrome and Microsoft Edge profiles and offer search and pinning. The LAN scanner finds devices using ping, ARP, and reverse DNS, and can scan every 30 minutes while the computer is idle. A speed test reports ping, download, and upload using speedtest-cli, with the same option for automatic idle-time runs. These tools make SAWAS more than a monitoring widget, though their appeal is strongest for users who want utilities on the same Windows desktop.

Customization, privacy, and setup

Users can add Python modules by placing a module file in the modules folder and reloading modules in the dashboard. The maker says there is no telemetry, cloud service, or sign-in, and that dashboard data stays on the PC. Backups can include settings, notes, counters, support links, and known network devices; restoring data creates a .bak file before overwriting it.

The FAQ calls for Windows 11, Python 3.10 or newer, PyQt5, and psutil, and says installation uses less than 100 MB of disk space. That setup is reasonable for users already comfortable with Python, but it is a higher hurdle than an ordinary install for others. More significantly, usernames, passwords, and notes for network devices are saved in plain text in network_devices.json in the dashboard folder. Anyone using those fields should protect access to that folder.

Pricing

SAWAS Dashboard is free for private and commercial use: the Free plan costs nothing and has no ads or subscription. It is the straightforward choice for individual users and organizations that want the listed desktop features without recurring charges. There is no paid tier to unlock additional capabilities, but the free offer is Windows-only and the Python requirements still apply.

Platforms

The dashboard is supported on Windows. Its listed requirements specify Windows 11, Python 3.10 or newer, PyQt5, and psutil; the maker says it uses less than 100 MB of disk space. For startup problems, the maker directs users to run start_debug.bat and email the resulting output.

Who it's for

SAWAS is best for Windows users who want a configurable desktop panel combining live system readings, usage history, notes, browser bookmarks, and LAN utilities. Python users may also value the option to add their own modules, and the software is free for both private and commercial use. It is a poor choice for anyone who needs support across operating systems, cloud access, or secure credential storage within the network-device feature.

Pros and cons

• Pro: Live CPU, RAM, and network readings come with locally saved history and day, week, and month charts.
• Pro: Chrome and Edge favorites, notes, a LAN scanner, and an internet speed test bring several desktop utilities into one widget.
• Pro: The free plan has no ads or subscription and covers private and commercial use.
• Pro: Custom Python modules and ZIP backups give technically confident users room to extend and preserve their setup.
• Con: Setup requires Windows 11 and several Python components, which may deter users looking for a simple standalone installer.
• Con: Network-device usernames, passwords, and notes are stored in plain text in a local JSON file.
• Con: Windows is the only supported platform, limiting its usefulness for mixed-device households or teams.

Alternatives

For a broader comparison, browse Desktop Widget Software. Consider these alternatives if their platform support or widget model better matches your needs:

• Mango Mirror is worth considering if you want desktop widgets across Android, iOS, Linux, web, and Windows, with a free plan covering two screen licenses and clock, news, weather, background images, quotes, custom layouts, and pages. Its free trial and Pro plan also suit users open to a freemium option.
• Nexus is a free alternative with support for Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, web, and Windows, making it a better platform match for users who need wider coverage.
• Duckboard may suit macOS and Windows users who want a dashboard builder: its free plan allows one dashboard and up to three widgets, while a $29, paid once Extended upgrade provides unlimited widgets on one dashboard.
• GKrellM is a free option for users who prefer software released under the GNU General Public License and need Linux, macOS, or Windows support.
• GadgetPack (formerly 8GadgetPack) is another Windows option; its 23MB download requires administrative rights.
• Monitor Flows may fit users seeking a widget library across Windows and API, with a free plan offering 15 core widgets, three pages, and five themes without a time limit or credit card requirement.
• Themia is a Windows alternative whose free plan includes 10 widgets, two screens, every widget type, and full customization.
• WidgetSpark is another Windows choice, with a free set of widgets for desktop, taskbar, and SparkBar use and no account requirement.

Verdict

Choose SAWAS Dashboard if you want a free, configurable Windows widget that combines live monitoring and history with notes, browser favorites, and local-network tools. Its local-data approach and ability to accept custom Python modules strengthen that case. Look elsewhere if you need another operating system, a less demanding setup, or secure storage for network credentials.