Getting Around (and About) the New Windows 8 UI

Wire mesh and cloth for industrial & architectural

Windows has released the new Windows 8 OS with a new interface that is marking Microsoft’s shifting focus from clicks to touch. The new Windows 8 is much faster than previous versions but after decades of seeing only your folders on the desktop, are you ready to embrace the new tile-filled UI, that is the Metro Start screen? We figure you might need help customizing the new UI for personal comfort. 


In this quick-tip, we’ll get you started with some of the changes made to Windows 8 then show you basic configurations you can do to customize your Metro Start page.




Breaking the Ice with Windows 8

Some of the differences you will notice on Windows 8 are that many apps can only run when you are logged on with your Windows Live ID, and that Internet Explorer can be run in two different modes. The ‘Settings page’ also has gotten a new interface – I think we’ll start with this one.
1. Windows Metro Start Page

When you are on any page, or running any app, you can simply hover your mouse over the right side of the screen, to reach your Charms menu, that bar that seems to be playing hide-and-seek with you. You can find your shortcuts to the ‘Start’ page, ‘Devices’, ‘Setting’, ‘Share’ and ‘Search’ there. Alternatively, Windows key+ C will also open the charms menu. 


If you hover your mouse to the left side of your screen, a preview bar will show you the apps you have running at the moment, as well as the Start page.



2. Log in with Windows Live ID
To get access to most apps on Windows 8, you will need to log in to your Windows using your Live ID. If you haven’t done so, you will get this error when you try to open an app.


To register your Live ID, hover your mouse to the right of the screen to reach your charms menu, and then click ‘Settings’.


Then click on the ‘More PC Settings’ bar at the bottom.


On the settings page, go to the ‘Users’ tab on the left and click on ‘Add a user’.


A new page will appear. Simply enter your Live ID and click ‘Next’ to complete the process.


When you have added your Live ID, simply log out from your Windows and log in again with the new user ID.



No comments:

Post a Comment