The document contains settings and configuration information for Notes and Domino. It includes settings for managed settings files, logging levels, user interface styles for mail tables, and links to projects and websites including for add-ons like the File Explorer and Mail Monitor. It also contains contact information for a technical account manager at a software company.
ChatIBM created Widgets in Notes 8.0.1 (they weren't in the original 8.0.0 release, if I remember correctly)I think they wanted an easier way to install and manage pluginsBut, they also extended it beyond plugins, to include web page references, Google Gadgets, notes views, and live textSo any plugin that you install using the My Widgets panel (usually by dragging and dropping an extension.xml file or a zip file) is technically a widgetBut there are other ways to install a plugin too (as you know)