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Computer Support For Individuals And Small Business |
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11/19/12 |
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Windows 8 - Tips For Getting Started |
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It's that time again – time for the next iteration of the Windows operating system, Windows 8 which was introduced on October 26. There are many changes to what we’ve become accustom to with Windows 7, Vista, and XP.
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With the explosive advent of mobile computing, Microsoft has added features specifically for use with tablets and cellphones while retaining what is very similar to the Windows 7 desktop. Learning to navigate the Windows 8 interface and utilize new features takes some effort and experimentation. |
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There are generally three ways to access the most common features in the Windows 8 interface: swipe with a finger (requires a touchscreen monitor), mouse, or shortcut keys on the keyboard. Some of the most useful keyboard shortcuts are included in the discussion below. "Win," as in "Win+C," refers to the Windows key on the keyboard which typically is denoted by a Windows flag.
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Touchscreen - Windows 8 has been designed to work with a touchscreen monitor (as well as a regular monitor). This requires investing in a touchscreen monitor for a desktop computer, purchasing a laptop with a touchscreen, or a tablet. There is also a version of Windows 8 for cellphones.
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Windows 8 will not convert a regular monitor to a touchscreen. However, it will work with a mouse. Therefore, purchasing a touchscreen monitor or computer is not required to use Windows 8.
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Lock Screen - Initially the user is confronted with the Lock Screen typically displaying the date and time. Swiping up from the bottom or clicking it with a mouse moves you to the Picture Password (if one has been created) or the text-based password login screen.
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Picture Password - A new feature in Windows 8 allows the creation of a picture password as well as a regular text password. The Picture Password is in addition to the text password and is not required. This feature can be accessed by going to your Users profile available through the Control Panel. Instructions on building the Picture Password are included. To circumvent the Picture Password and go to the text-based password just touch/click "Switch to password."
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Start Screen - Once you login the Start Screen appears. This is nothing like the Start Menu (or a Start Button) from previous versions of Windows. It includes "Tiles" which can be touched (if a touchscreen monitor) or clicked (with a mouse) to open an app or program. It is designed for use on a tablet as well as a desktop or laptop computer. Tiles can also reference a folder, contact, or website.
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Tiles can be rearranged to suit the user. They can be added or removed from the start menu. Searching for apps in the Start Screen is straight forward. With the Start Screen displayed simply start typing the name of the app and the search function opens.
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The initial Start Screen includes only tiles that have been pinned to the Start Screen. To access all apps, swipe upward from the bottom of the screen or right click with the cursor on an empty area of the Start Screen. An option to see all apps becomes available. |
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A new version of the App Switcher is available by pressing "Win+Tab." As with previous versions of Windows, pressing "Alt+Tab" also produces an App Switcher cycling among open apps.
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Charms Bar – A new feature to Windows 8 is the Charms Bar. It can be accessed by touch by swiping the screen from the right edge toward the left, by mouse by moving the cursor to either the top right or bottom right corner, or from the keyboard by pressing "Win+C" (Win refers to the Windows key). It is available when either the Start Screen or Desktop is displayed. It includes icons for Search, Share (Win+H), Start (the Start Screen), Devices (Win+K), and Settings (Win+I).
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Desktop – Windows 8 includes a Desktop which is very similar to the Windows 7 Desktop. It can be accessed from the Start Screen by touching/clicking the Desktop tile or pressing "Win+D." To return to the Start Screen access the Start Screen icon in the lower left corner or simply press the Win key.
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Anti-Virus Software - After decades of problems with viruses and spyware Windows Defender has been expanded to include both anti-virus and anti-spyware. It comes packaged with Windows 8 and configured to run out of the box. Settings are somewhat limited suggesting it might be advisable to consider third-party anti-virus software.
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Internet Explorer – Windows 8 ships with Internet Explorer 10. It can be accessed either from the Start Screen, in which it operates as a full-screen app, or from the Desktop, in which it is similar to Internet Explorer 9.
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File Explorer – Windows Explorer has been renamed File Explorer. Accessing the menu items near the top left result in ribbons used to select various functions.
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Shutdown – The Shutdown option is found in Settings which is accessed through the Charm Bar or by pressing "Win+C." Settings can also be accessed directly by pressing "Win+I." Touch/click the Power icon. One of the options will be Shutdown. Another method is to simultaneously press "Ctrl+Alt+Delete" on the keyboard and touch/click the Power icon at the lower right.
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Though the above should be enough to get started, there are numerous other changes, both in the interface and under-the-hood. It will take time to harness the paradigm for most efficient use based on your individual needs, but worth the effort.
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