how do i get a clock to show on my desktop?

In vista you can download a gadget that displays it on the right of the computer screen, which always shows.

Another way is downloading object bar.

http://stardock.com/products/objectbar/

Why not use the normal clock on the taskbar? If you lost it, right click the bar on the bottom and go properties. Than click 'show the clock'.

http://desktop-tools.net/attractive.html

This looks great on your desktop

Hope you have xp and vista

When you do not like this one, you should do what i just did.

Type Desktop Clock in Google and you will see a lot of sites

You didn't specify which OS so I'm assuming it's Windows. If it's Vista, you have one already on the dock. If you have XP, get something like Yahoo Widgets (widgets.yahoo.com) and browse around for the many clock widgets out there. It's free, fast, and spam free.

right click on the taskbar and press properties. then press display time