Microsoft's latest operating system, Windows 8, can be overwhelming for first-time users. Microsoft did a full overhaul of the entire user interface, making it very different from the format that many PC users are used to. Manufacturers like HP have included built-in tutorials and help assistance to ease users into the Windows 8 experience. If you're coming from Windows 7 or any other Windows OS, you'll notice that Windows 8 is entirely different. Here are a few tips to keep in mind to help you get started:
1. Use the edges and corners
There are two interface procedures that will help you navigate and interact with Windows 8. When using the touch screen, swiping in from the edges will take you back to the start screen, where you can search, change settings or customize your desktop. When using a mouse, place the pointer to the corners of the screen. This is the key interaction with Windows 8. The corners on the right side of the display are where the Charms are located. This tool lets you search, share, go back to the start screen, add devices or go to the settings. The left corners of the display let you switch between apps, the desktop and the start screen.
2. Start typing on the start screen
The Windows 8 start screen can be a little intimidating at first since it looks nothing like Windows 7 or any other previous version of Windows. It helps to just think of it as a full-screen start button panel and you can just start typing whatever you're looking for. When you type the name of a program or file, it will match the letters that you type, just like in the Windows 7 start button menu. If what you're looking for isn't there, you can take a more direct approach. For example, to run the control panel, switch the right-slide selector to Settings. If you need to find pictures or documents, under the search option, switch to Files.
3. How to use the Windows Key
The Windows key was very useful in Windows 7, although most people don't use it that much. The Windows 8 Windows key pulls up the Start screen and can also display charms and perform almost all functions of the new user interface. Some useful ones are: Windows logo key + D (Displays and hide the desktop), Windows logo key +C (Open the charms) Windows logo key + M (Minimize all Windows) Windows logo key +F (Open the Search charm and search for files). Microsoft's Windows 8 keyboard shortcuts page has the entire list.
4. Download Apps
New apps are always arriving and the Windows Store is expanding so it's good to pay it a visit every now and then. The Windows Store features apps in various categories such as Games, News, Music, Photo, Entertainment and Productivity. Installation of the apps is quick, easy and the store also updates them automatically for you. Similar to Apple's iTunes App Store and Android's Google Play store, you can view the top free and paid apps. Most of the paid apps are priced within the range of $1.49 to $9.99.
5. Install drivers
Even though Windows 8 is fairly new, it's a good idea to check for hardware to make sure the drivers are up to date. It's best to do this directly from the hardware maker's site. For example, if you have an HP desktop, visit HP.com and there will be a list of drivers for the make and model of your PC. From there you can scan your system and download and install the drivers that require an update.
