Use the basics of Windows 8

Switching to the Windows 8 Operating System is can be a challenge for those accustomed Windows 7, Vista, and XP.

Windows 8 is completely different than any previous version of the Windows Operating System that Microsoft has produced. It was designed to power newer, and lighter devices, such as tablets and Tablet PCs, while still supporting legacy devices. Because of this, many of the standard features have been moved, or replaced by new technology, such as touch screen functions. This has left many a user lost, but the VisiHow guide below will help those new to Windows 8 learn the basics.

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   The Windows 8 Operating System was designed to be modular

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   Because of this, it is able to operate on every available type of device, from desktops, laptops, tablets, and even smartphones. Unfortunately, similar functions that exist across different devices don't always work the same way. This is a common source of confusion for users new to the OS.

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2. 2
   New users should quite literally 'play' with the Metro interface

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   Treat the tile screen and related functions just as a child would, and look intuitively, rather than based on past experience with legacy versions of the Windows Operating System.

   

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3. 3
   There is no start button, which leaves many users lost

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   Instead of using a start button, there are quick access buttons, which appear either on the side or bottom of your desktop. Simply mouse off to the side or bottom and click (or tap) to make them appear.

   

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4. 4
   Internet Explorer has been completely updated

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   The new interface and menus were designed to work with Windows Metro, and are different than previous versions of I.e.. Often, both new and experienced users are frustrated by these difference until they think intuitively, rather than based on past experience.

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5. 5
   It's always easy to get back to the Windows Metro home screen

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   All you have to do is touch the bottle left side of the screen, or just move your mouse pointer down there, and the tiled 'Metro' interface of Windows 8's home screen will pop up. You can click any item to open it, go home, or edit settings.

   

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6. 6
   This new Metro tiled screen functions much like the old Windows Start Button

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   To oversimplify it, the main difference is that it now shows a tiled list of programs and folders, instead of an expandable file tree. It does take some getting used to, but most new users prefer the look and fee of this new system once they learn how it works.

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7. 7
   For those needing Administrative control, creating an Admin account is easy

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   Simply drag your mouse to the left side of the screen, which will bring up three menus. Click or tap on the first menu, which is a search box. This will bring up the search menu. From there, type in the name of the program you want to run as an Administrator. When the program appears, press and hold the right mouse button over the program name. This will open a new window on the bottom of the screen, where you can click 'Run as Administrator'. If you type in 'cmd', you will be able to run the system as an Admin.

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8. 8
   Now that you are in Admin mode, you can return to the main Metro window

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   From here you'll be able to right click on any program tile on the desktop, and delete the shortcut. Just keep in mind that the program is still there. You've only deleted the shortcut, meaning you can always add it back later if you need to.

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9. 9
   You can now move your mouse to the right side of the screen

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   This will open a new menu, with a range of options, including the ability to sync, search, view attached devices, go back, and adjust settings. This menu can also be brought up from the main Metro screen, so you always have access to it. Observant users will also notice a 'Start' button tucked in the middle of this menu as well.

   

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10. 10
    The "Start' button is used to scroll from window to window on the Metro interface

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    You can cycle through programs, or screens at any time with this button. Simply move your mouse to the right, and click the 'Start' button to move through screens.

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11. 11
    By clicking the 'Settings' option, at the bottom of the right side menu

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    This will open a number of Windows that, while they look a little different, operate exactly the same way they did in earlier versions of Windows. For example, you can click the power icon, which will give you the option to shut down or restart your computer.

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12. 12
    That's it for the basic lesson on using the Windows 8 Metro Operating System

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    Hopefully you learned something, and are able to get more from your system as a result. Thanks for using VisiHow, and have a great day.

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If you have problems with any of the steps in this article, please ask a question for more help, or post in the comments section below.

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