Windows 8: Top 5 to Survive Day 1

This article was submitted by MCC Guest Blogger Melanie Gass of Centerpoint Solution. You can also see more info at Microsoft Princess.

Windows 8 has sold over 100 million licenses since its debut on October 26, 2012, but that doesn’t mean everyone who has it found their way on day one. For example, my 12-year old neighbor received a new Windows 8 laptop for his birthday. Two days later he knocked on my door and asked “Aunt Melanie, where’s the power button?” 

Here’s my top 5 tips to survive day 1:

1. Desktop: There is a tile on the start screen called desktop. Find it and click it.

2. Locate a Program: The software you use is now called an app. When you need one, move your mouse to the bottom right corner while in the desktop, and choose search. Type in the name and open it.

3. Pin programs to desktop: When you find a program and want to access it instantly, pin it to your desktop. Right-click the open program along the bottom of the screen in the desktop and choose Pin this program to taskbar.

4. Charms are the new start button: The power, control panel and search options are all there. Move to the bottom right corner, and the charms appear!

5. Close a program: If you launch a program from the tiled start screen, the close button doesn’t exist. Move your mouse to the top of the screen, and a hand will appear. Left-click and hold, and drag to the bottom. It’s closed. 

Windows 8 will include new ways of working. But if you can conquer your fear of change, it can make you more productive than you ever imagined overall! 

Note: Swipe and finger pointing work on touch screens in lieu of mouse instructions above.