Using Windows 8 (and new Windows 8.1) KSC Seminar Presented by Steve Courtney Director KSC Computer Training Team With support from the KSC Computer Training Team November 7 th,2013 1
Seminar Topics Windows 8.1 Overview and introduction Why Windows 8.1 and the free upgrade process Start Screen vs. Desktop How to switch between Start Screen and Desktop Live Tiles, Start page, new start button(windows 8.1) and more Charms what are they and how do I use Windows 8.1 Desktop Keyboard Shortcuts & how to make similar to Windows 7 How to find online, download and use Apps Some other useful features of Windows 8.1 Final Thoughts and online resources Q & A 2
Introduction Windows 8/8.1 What, Why and Where? Windows 8 is Microsoft's latest Operating System designed to run on laptops, desktops and tablets. Windows 8 supersedes Windows 7, yet retains much of Windows 7, but adds a start screen with App tiles(known as Metro ) that can be used with a keyboard/mouse, touchpad or using your fingers if the screen is touch enabled(e.g. tablets and some new laptops). Windows 8 is now installed as default on all(most) new PC s and laptops and on new Tablets like Microsoft Surface. Windows 8.1 free upgrade released mid-october 2013 Available from Microsoft Store 3
Why go to Windows 8.1 Ability to Boot direct to Desktop(i.e. avoid `Start Screen`) Better User interface, including partially restored old Windows Start button Easy shutdown Bug fixes More 4
Update to Windows 8.1 Key issues to allow Windows 8.1 update: You must have a valid Windows 8 version on your PC/laptop or tablet You must make sure all Windows 8 updates have been applied before applying the windows 8.1 update. For detail instructions. Normally get Windows 8.1 update via windows Store. Can also go here and download only from within Windows 8. 5
Windows 8.1 Overview Power up Sequence leads to Hit any Key or mouse Lock Screen Win 8.1 You can choose which screen to go to after Login Login Screen Start Screen(Apps and Tiles) Desktop(Windows 7 like ) 6
Windows 8.1 Start Screen Desktop Tile List all Apps arrow The Start screen consists of tiles, which point to Windows 8 Apps & programs. Some tiles display additional information related to the App, such as updated news headlines. To open an App, simply touch or left click on its tile. The Desktop Tile gets you back to a Windows 7 style desktop The Apps arrow lets you switch to a view of all Apps installed on your computer. 7
Windows 8.1 All Apps Screen New for Win 8.1: When you install (download) a new App Via the Store then the App is now stored on this App Screen rather than the Start Screen as in Windows 8. Right click any App to Pin to Start Screen and more. Organize Apps by name, category etc. All Apps Screen reached by clicking Return to Start Screen by clicking arrow on Start Screen arrow on Apps screen 8
Start Screen Hotspots Windows 8/8.1 uses gestures to access hidden features, such as a shortcut to the Start screen on some new laptop s touchpad, or by rolling the mouse cursor to the left edge of the screen(to see apps running) or to the right edge(for Charms) or via keyboard shortcuts Start screen Return to the Start screen by rolling your mouse to the bottom left-hand corner of the screen or by pressing the [Windows] key. App History Sidebar This allows you to easily switch between open Apps as well as the classic Windows desktop. Access it with the mouse by placing the cursor in the top left-hand corner of the screen, or by pressing [Win] + [Tab] on the keyboard. You can also access it by swiping in from the left edge of the screen or your touchpad. The Charms Bar Gives quick access to key parts of system via five shortcuts, known as charms. Place the mouse in either corner on the right of the screen or press [Win] + [C] on your keyboard. Alternatively, swipe in from the right-hand edge of the screen or touchpad. App or Start screen options These are hidden by default, but can be revealed by clicking the right mouse button or swiping in from the top or bottom edge of the screen or touchpad. 9
Windows 8/8.1 Charms Search Share Start Devices Settings The Charms bar The Charms bar gives you five options: Search, Share, Start, Devices and Settings. Use Search in an App to search that App, or access it from the Start screen to find programs and settings. The Share option allows you to share content from the current App using other compatible Apps, such as Mail and Twitter. Start offers another route back to the Start screen, while Devices gives you access to connected devices such as printers and cameras. Finally, choose Settings to configure options for the current App or your PC, and to access power options including shutdown and restart. 10
Windows 8.1 Desktop The classic desktop(very similar to Windows 7) On the Start screen you ll see a Desktop tile. Click on this to go back to the traditional Windows desktop, which works in practically the same way it did in previous versions of Windows. Most programs that can run in Windows 7 will launch into their own window in the Windows Desktop. On the Desktop move mouse to bottom left corner to see Start Menu.(left click back to Start Screen, Right Click shows useful Desktop programs) Hotspots work in exactly the same way on the desktop you can even run an App side-by-side with the desktop. Windows 8.1 restores the Start Icon.. Left-Click to go to Start screen, Right-Click for options. Win 8.1 Now added Shutdown/Reset to Start icon. Also, look out for the new ribbon-based interface found in later versions of Microsoft Office, which appears when you use File Explorer to open folder windows. 11
Start Screen vs. Desktop The Windows 8/8.1 Start screen treats the desktop as just another App: a small, single-purpose program. So, you open the desktop just as you d open any other app: Left Click the Start screen s Desktop tile. The Desktop tile looks like a miniature version of your real desktop, complete with your current desktop background. When summoned, the desktop pushes aside the Start screen and fills the screen, ready to run your traditional Windows programs. The Windows 8/8.1 desktop works much like the desktop found in previous Windows versions, but with some changes. 12
Start Page find your way around Scrolling using the mouse acts horizontal like swiping a keyboard The Windows key an be used to quickly switch between the Start Screen and the last open App screen(e.g. desktop) Each App is represented by either a small, medium or large tile. You can move the tiles around, resize(8.1) group, delete as you wish Some tiles can be dynamic(called live tiles) i.e. they change showing preview of content below. E.g. latest sports news Right click on any Tile(App) and an option menu bar appears at screen bottom If App is a program in Desktop, open file location/pin taskbar options appears Move mouse/swipe top left screen corner and list of running App icons appear. Leftclick in the icon, you should be able to cycle through all your open Apps. Right-click in the icon and a 'Close' menu appears. Opening an App will generally fill the screen. Right click for options and move to top left or top right as above for other Apps and charm bar Point to top of screen and drag/swipe to bottom to close App. Can close an App by mouse pointing to top of screen and swipe to screen bottom Possible on displays with high(1366+) resolution to display 2 Apps side by side. E.g.. Google search App and Desktop App. Try Windows Key +. Move Mouse/swipe top right corner and the Charms vertical bar appears 13
Charms Search anything depends on App open, or PC if start screen Smart Search in Windows 8.1 provides results from your PC, SkyDrive and the Internet - giving you universal search functionality. To configure how Smart Search works, or even turn it off, visit PC settings. From there, go to Search and Apps, and then Search. Share content email and more Start Returns you to Start screen Devices - Print, output to projector, another monitor Settings change PC settings, Tiles, Wi-Fi, Sound, brightness, Power Can also personalize Lock screen, and start screens and more. 14
Configure Win 8.1 Desktop 1-2 The Windows 8 or 8.1 Desktop is very similar to Windows 7 with the following Win 8.1 restores the Start Menu, but with limited functionality vs. Win 7. Moving Mouse/swipe to the top left of screen brings up running Apps Moving Mouse/swipe to top or bottom right of screen brings up Charms Moving Mouse/swipe bottom left brings up start screen icon Left-click and go to start screen Right click to bring up some shortcuts(including Shutdown new Win 8.1) There is a way to restore even more of the Windows 7 Style start menu Click here for details 15
Configure Win 8.1 Desktop 2-2 Several new User options are now available in Win 8.1 Win 8.1 restores the Start Menu, but with limited functionality vs. Win 7. Right click the Desktop Task bar and select properties Select Navigation : Can now select how you wish Win 8.1 to perform: e.g. tick Go to the desktop And Win 8.1 will boot to your Desktop instead of the Start Screen Many other options to play with Find libraries Windows 7 introduced libraries, which allowed you to see and access all of your content. Windows 8.1 doesn't show the Libraries link by default, though. So, to view it, just open the View menu from the ribbon menu in File Explorer. You'll then need to choose Show Libraries from the Navigation drop-down menu. 16
Keyboard Shortcuts For a complete list go to Windows 8 keyboard shortcuts Top Keyboard shortcuts: Windows key switch between Start Screen(or menu in StartW8) & last used APP Windows + C Immediately brings up the Charms bar, for quick access to things like Search, Share, and Settings. Windows + D Switches you to Desktop. Once you're in that mode, pressing Windows + D again toggles between minimize/restore all windows Windows + I Brings up the Settings charm, where you'll find among other things the Power icon for shutting down the PC. Windows + PrtSc This handy new feature instantly captures a screenshot and saves it (in PNG format) to a Screenshots subfolder in your Pictures folder. Windows + X Pops up a decidedly old-school menu of Windows tools, including Power Options, Device Manager, Disk Management, and Command Prompt. Windows + H Share menu Windows + E Opens Explorer Window Windows + Tab opens list of currently running programs Windows + Q opens Global search. Windows + F opens file search Ctl+Shift+ESC Task Manager Ctrl-Tab shows all Apps on PC when on Start Screen 17
How to find, download and use. Windows 8 Apps Find Store App icon on Start Screen - 18
Other Useful Features SkyDrive - is a file hosting service that allows users to upload and sync files to a cloud storage and then access them from a Web browser or their local device Available on multiple PCs, your phone, and even non-windows devices with the free SkyDrive app installed on them. Can use free Office Web Apps to edit shared documents on SkyDrive and immediately see each other's changes. You don t even need to have Office installed. Share whatever files you choose, with whomever you choose, and make the rest private. File History(personal file backup) - File History, automatically backs up files in the background and lets you restore them from a simple, time-based interface. it only backs up the files in your Libraries essentially, your personal documents, files, and media. You can add any folders you want to a library. Also, instead of running large backups every week or month, it takes a snapshot of your files every hour. Sync -sync settings, apps, and more across multiple computers and tablets 19
More Useful Win 8.1 features Automated app updates - Go to Charms, settings and then choose App Updates. You can switch on automatic updates from there. Disable automated app updates if you have a Tablet.(intermittent internet connection) Name app groups - Each Start screen app tile group can have its own name now (like "High school friends" or "College friends). Just right-click on the Start screen and choose Customize to enter the heading. Dock an app - Can now dock two Start screen apps, for instance, enabling you to ignore the desktop completely and view two apps alongside each other. You can also adjust the size of each pane. Match your desktop wallpaper in your Start home - Now though you can choose the same background for both, including custom wallpapers. In the Charms menu under settings and then personalize, you will be able to see your current desktop background as one of the options. Customize the lock screen with photo slideshows - Windows 8.1 allows photo slideshow capabilities from the lock screen. To get started, go to the Charms Bar then select Settings, then PC Settings. Under the PC Settings app, select PC and Devices in the menu. Then select Lock Screen. Select on the switch called "Play A Slide show on the Lock screen" to turn on lock screen slide shows. Then select the + icon" to add a folder with the slideshow photos. Use the file picker to select the photos. Remember: Windows 8.1 will auto-sync these options to any PC or device using the same Microsoft Account. Disable Hot Corners - Go to PC settings, in Charms and then PC and Devices. IE Reading View - Internet Explorer 11, has a new Reading View. It makes reading long articles on websites much easier by removing the clutter from the page. You can access Reading View by clicking the book icon on the right of the address bar. Read later with Reading List - Windows 8.1 has a new app called Reading List. The app runs side-by-side with Internet Explorer, as well as other reading material like the Bing News or Sports apps, which may have content that you want to save for reading later. Using Reading List, you're able to design an actual reading list and bring up your saved articles at any time. Also, when you find an Internet article or other document in a supported app, you can share it with Reading List. Set an alarm - Anew Alarms app that's accessible from the Start screen. You can add multiple alarms and set various ringtones to wake you or remind you. A new, basic calculator - Open it from the Start screen and you toggle between Standard or Scientific modes. New Keyboard Shortcuts - Windows key + D brings you to the desktop. Windows key+ F opens Find. Windows key+l serves up the lock screen. Move/Save SkyDrive folder - Microsoft has crucially integrated SkyDrive into Windows 8.1, all under PC settings Faster shutdown - Windows 8.1 has the same shortcut menu when you right-click in the bottom left-hand corner of the desktop. Some new options in the OS upgrade, include able to shutdown the system or log out of your account. 20
Final Thoughts Windows 8/8.1 runs well on lower performance machines All new laptops/desktops will have Windows 8 pre-installed Consider installing StartW8 to bring back start menu and boot to Desktop App store limited in Apps at the moment but should improve Running Windows 8/8.1 Desktop and Start Screen side by side With an external monitor you can use both at the same time. Windows 7 devices and programs should work on Windows 8(most) Set default programs. Windows 8/8.1 uses its default players for music and video. Note will not play DVD s. Download free VLC player. New Keyboard shortcuts for Windows 8.1 How to use the expanded Task Manager in Windows 8 Some additional resources http://winsupersite.com/windows-8/windows-8-tips-ultimate-compendium http://lifehacker.com/5839777/first-look-at-whats-new-in-windows-8 http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2012/10/the-10-best-features-in-windows-8/ http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/windows-8-review,3334.html http://gizmodo.com/5955139/windows-8-survival-guide-all-the-tips-tricks-and-workarounds http://howto.cnet.com/8301-11310_39-57529213-285/complete-guide-to-using-windows-8- roundup/ 21
Windows 8 and 8.1 in 3 minutes A quick summary Video Showing how to use Key features of Windows 8 Review and video of key Windows 8.1 features 22
Q & A Please book a lesson or 3 lessons at the KSC front desk to have more personal instruction on your Windows 8 Tablet, laptop or our training PC. Please contact Steve Courtney at computers@kanataseniors.ca if you have any specific questions concerning Windows 8. We may be able to help or direct you to someone who can. This presentation can be found at http://www.kanataseniors.ca/seminars.html 23
Backup Slides 24
Settings Screen via Charms back 25
Charms - Devices back 26
Restore Windows 7 Start Menu Download a free App to restore E.g. StartW8 back 27
Step by Step instructions Upgrade to Windows 8.1 Go to http://blog.laptopmag.com/how-toinstall-windows-8-1 Can also from Windows 8 internet explorer type ms-windows-store:windowsupgrade intro back1 28