This is a quick tutorial to help you get started with Windows 8 with the basic features, especially with the new Metro environment. Windows 8 sports a new user experience that radically changes the way we use our PC since 1995, and, so, let’s touch up on the new ways to interact with Windows 8 and its apps! This tutorial shows you how do this with mouse, keyboard, and touch. But first, here’s a quick video demo from Microsoft!

Setting Up Windows 8 with Your Microsoft Account

Once you install Windows 8 and run it for the first time, you will be prompted to sign in with your Microsoft Account. While you can choose not to do so and use a local user account, signing in with your Microsoft Account will only benefit you, as you can sync all your documents, pictures, apps, and settings across devices. Furthermore, any documents or pictures you sync, you will be able to access them from the cloud, as Microsoft offers every Windows users 25 GB of free online storage.

I will have an in-depth tutorial on how to do this in a later post very soon!

Navigating Windows 8

Windows 8 has a completely new user interface, and, thus, it will take some getting used to. That said, navigating the Windows 8 environment is really easy! With Windows 8, the goal is to let you focus on the content, so most of the chrome of the app and the OS are hidden. To show the chrome, you need to use corners.

Switching Between Apps

Windows has always used the Taskbar for switching apps. Although the taskbar still exists on the Windows 8 desktop for the desktop apps, it cannot be used to switch to the new, Windows 8 apps (metro style apps). Here’s how to switch between apps!

Using the Mouse

To switch between metro style apps (the new Windows 8 apps) and the desktop, move your mouse on the top-leftof the screen then move the mouse downwards. You will see a list of metro style apps you have opened. Just click on one to switch to it.

To quickly switch to an app, place your mouse on the top-left corner of the screen. You will see the app thumbnail. Click it to switch to the app.

Using the Keyboard

You can use the keyboard to switch between apps too! Hold the keys Alt and tab to see the list of open apps. Use the arrow keys or keep pressing tab while holding the alt key to make your chose.

Using Touch

Swipe from the left edge of the screen to quickly switch between apps. To switch to a particular app, swipe from the left edge of the screen and, without releasing, swipe back to the left edge. This will reveal a menu of open apps you can switch to!

Getting to the Start Screen

The Start screen is the home screen of Windows 8. This is where you can see your favorite apps, links to documents and web pages, and other things. This replaces the “Start” menu that is present on previous versions of Windows.

Using the Mouse

To get to the start screen (aka home screen), simply move your mouse to the bottom-left corner of the screen. You will see a preview of the start screen. Click it to go there.

You can also move your mouse to the top-right corner of the screen to reveal the “Charms”. From there, click the icon that is labeled “Start”.

Using the Keyboard

Using the keyboard, simply press the “Start” button on your keyboard. The button is typically labeled with the Windows logo. You can also use the key combo Ctrl and EXE.

Using Touch

You can swipe your fingers from the right corner of the screen to reveal the “Charms”. Tap the icon labeled “Start”.

Working with Apps

App-Bar

The App-Bar reveals buttons and controls that will help you work with the app. For example, the Internet Explorer app (metro version) will reveal the back button, address bar, open tabs, and more.

Using the Mouse

On any app, you can right-clik on a non-clickable surface (a place with no buttons, links, etc.) to reveal the “App-Bar”.

Using the Keyboard

If you are using the keyboard, the app bar can be displayed by pressing the key combo Windows key and z.

Using Touch

Swipe from the bottom edge of the screen to reveal the “App-Bar”

Accessing App Options

To access options for Metro Style apps, the desktop, and the Start screen, you need to active the “Charms”.

Using the Mouse

Move your mouse to the top-right corner of the screen. You will see the charms appear. Click the “Settings” icon.

Using the Keyboard

Press the Key combo Windows key and c. Click the “Settings” icon.

Using Touch

Swipe from the right edge of the screen and tap the “Settings” icon.

Sharing Stuff Between Apps

You can share things, like text, image, screenshots, from one app to another. For example, if you find a nice photo or quote on one app, or if you draw something with a drawing app, you can share them with another app, like Facebook or Twitter apps. To do so, you must activate the “Charms” menu.

Using the Mouse

Move your mouse to the top-right corner of the screen. You will see the charms appear. Click the “Share” icon.

Using the Keyboard

Press teh Key combo Windows key and c. Click the “Share” icon.

Using Touch

Swipe from the right edge of the screen and tap the “Share” icon.

Closing Apps

To close a dektop apps, simply hit the red “X” button on the title bar of the ap. To close a Metro Style app, drag down from the top using the mouse or your finger. Using the keyboard, you can close apps (desktop and metro) by using the key combo Alt and F4.

Searching for Stuff

To search for something within the app or the operating system, you must activate “Charms”.

Using the Mouse

Move your mouse to the top-right corner of the screen. You will see the charms appear. Click the “Search” icon.

Using the Keyboard

Press teh Key combo Windows key and c. Click the “Search” icon.

Using Touch

Swipe from the right edge of the screen and tap the “Search” icon.

Download the Windows 8 Guide

Here’s the official Windows 8 Consumer Preview Guide from Microsfot:

http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/p/?LinkId=238697

Enjoy Using Windows 8!

Well, this is it for the “Getting Started” tutorial! I will post more specefic tutorials soon! But this should help you get started with your Windows 8 experience. If you are having trouble, have something that isn’t quite working, or have a question, comment below! You can email me at Nazmus@NazmusLabs.com, and I will get back to you as soon as possible!

Happy Experimenting!