An emulator for hosting desktop widgets. The emulator mimics the functions of a desktop widget engine. The emulator serves as a user interface component that may be added via a rapid application development tool, such as Oracle International Corporation's Application Development Framework. The rapid application development tool may be used to install the emulator, for example, in a region of a user interaction environment or an application created by the rapid application development tool. If desired, multiple options may be provided in terms of regions to provide the emulator. In addition, one or more selection devices, such as a drop down menu, may be provided to select particular desktop widgets for use and display. Tabbed pages may be provided on a display for the emulator for organizing both personal and enterprise desktop widgets. Security settings control access to widgets, and an option to allow or restrict access to widget display options in the emulator.