Windows 8 Operating System - Tips & Tricks

There goes the traditional start menu and everything you knew in a windows OS paving way for a new touch oriented start screen with new Windows apps and a brand new interface. Even pro PC users may be feeling somewhat confused.

Windows 8 opens in a dramatic fashion, which looks pretty but unfortunately displays no clues about what to do next. Tap the space bar, spin the mouse wheel or swipe upwards on a touch screen to display the log in screen with the user name you created during installation. Enter your password to begin. Simple enough.

The user interface is filled with tiles and touch-friendly apps. So if you're using a tablet then it will all be very easy. Swiping left or right to scroll the screen, and tapping any tile of interest. On a desktop you can alternatively spin the mouse wheel to scroll backwards and forwards. And you can use the keyboard by tapping the Home/End keys to move from one end of your Start screen to the other, for example, after that use the cursor keys to select a certain tile, press Enter to select it. Tap the Win button to return to the Home screen. Make sure you right click apps are not required and select Unpin to remove them. You can also drag and drop the other tiles around to organize them.

Hold down the Windows key and tap X for a text-based menu that provides easy access to lots of apps and features. There is an option of installing Win+X Menu Editor and you'll be able to further customize the list with your own programs.The start screen apps are displayed in a random order just after installation, but if you'd prefer a more organised interface then it's easy to sort them into custom groups. You can simply drag and drop the new group around as a block. Right-click within the block and you'll also be able to give the group a name.

Type a part of the application name. If you're using a touchscreen, press and hold the icon, then flick down and select 'Pin to Start'. Now press the Windows key, scroll to the right and you'll see the Control Panel tile. Drag and drop it over to the left somewhere if you'd prefer it more there, then click the tile to open the desktop along with the Control Panel window, and press the Windows key to return you to the Start screen when you're done.

While the Win+X menu is useful, it is no substitute for the old Start menu as it doesn't provide access to your applications. Hold the Win key and tap Q or you can right-click an empty part of the Start screen/swipe your finger and select All Apps to display a scrolling list of all your installed apps. You can browse the various tiles from it and click the required app to run.

Finally to shut down your system, move the mouse cursor to the bottom right corner of the screen, click the Settings icon or alternatively hold down the Windows key and press I. Click on the Power button and choose 'Shut Down' or 'Restart'. Pressing Ctrl+Alt+Del and clicking the power button in the bottom right-hand corner will also get you the same 'Shut Down' and 'Restart' options.On desktop, just press Alt+F4 and close it down for good.

The is much more to Win8 than what was mentioned, but these should get you started. Also remember use the keyboard shortcuts and mouse together to exploit the user-friendliness of the OS.