Modern/Metro Learning Fun

HippsieGypsie

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Hello all. Decided to start a thread on having fun learning the Modern/Metro side of 8 and 8.1. It could be a question on how something is performed, a screenshot or snip of a feature, something you learned, or something of that nature. Whatever it may be. Use you creative imagination. Please remember that all might not have experienced either or both editions and that, although similar, they are a little different with 8.1 having added features. I'm running 8.1 Pro. I'll start with a question.

This is the Desktop app. In which two ways can one achieve this configuration? Hint: It is temporary.

Screenshot (57).png
 
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Well that was interesting. I was able to drag your picture onto my desktop and set it as a wallpaper. Doesn't answer the question but I learn't something:D
 

My Computer

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    Windows 8.1 Pro
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    AsRock
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    Intel Core2 Quad Q8200
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    AsRock N7AD SLI
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    8GB DDRII
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dragdown.png

First, you can drag the desktop down on a touch screen to the bottom of the screen, and also by clicking and holding the top of the desktop (with no windows opened) then drag down.

rightclickclosepng.png

Also, when you swipe from the side or run your cursor across the left side of the screen, you access a second menu that you can hold and press close or right-click and close.

:geek:
 
Last edited:

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Well that was interesting. I was able to drag your picture onto my desktop and set it as a wallpaper. Doesn't answer the question but I learn't something:D

I learned that not that long ago, around the time I had used a mac for a year. :p
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro, iOS 7.1, Elementary OS
    Computer type
    Tablet
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    Apple
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    1 GB
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    2048x1536
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    iPad Air
Well that was interesting. I was able to drag your picture onto my desktop and set it as a wallpaper. Doesn't answer the question but I learn't something:D

Lol! Not quite understanding that. You dragged my screenshot from my house to yours? :p
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    8.1 Pro X64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Acer T690
    CPU
    Intel Pentium D Dual Core
    Motherboard
    Acer/Intel E946GZ
    Memory
    2GB (max upgrade)
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 3000 - PCI Express x16
    Sound Card
    Integrated RealTek ALC888 high-definition audio with 7.1 channel audio support
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Acer AL1917W A LCD
    Screen Resolution
    1440 X 900
    Hard Drives
    350 GB Seagate Barracuda 7200.10
    Thumb drives
    PSU
    Standard 250 watt
    Case
    Desktop 7.2" (183mm) W x 17.5" (445mm) L x 14.5"
    Cooling
    Dual case fans + CPU fan
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    Acer Windows PS/2
    Mouse
    Wireless Microsoft Arc
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    54mbp/s
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    Office Pro 2013 / Nokia Lumia 1520 Windows Phone 8.1DP GDR1
Well, well. It's the GrantFitz! I thought you upped and died. It been awhile. Glad to see you posting again. :)

First, you can drag the desktop down on a touch screen to the bottom of the screen, and also by clicking and holding the top of the desktop (with no windows opened) then drag down.

Windows 8.1 Pro

Half correct, Grasshopper! :p Although a tricky question, it was in which two ways can you achieve this configuration, not hide the Desktop app. You can also achieve this with WinKey/Period key, holding WinKey then arrow down. You can suspend the Desktop app there indefinitely by continuing to hold the WinKey. Press Print Screen to take a shot. The Desktop app never closes like a Store app, but one can hide it out of sight. I think of it more like a portal.

You can drag down or combo key the Desktop app down with multiple open windows (or minimized to Task Bar), not full as seen below. The Win32 apps will remain running/open. The Desktop will not appear in the Switcher bar when returning to the Start Screen. Press WinKey/D to return it and Win32 apps.

Screenshot (59).png

Also, when you swipe from the side or run your cursor across the left side of the screen, you access a second menu that you can hold and press close or right-click and close.:geek:

If this was your second way to hide the Desktop app/portal, you are correct. That is called the Switcher Bar.

Pay close attention, Grasshopper. :p How does one achieve the configuration below? There are 2 open Win32 apps on the Desktop.

Screenshot (60).png
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    8.1 Pro X64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Acer T690
    CPU
    Intel Pentium D Dual Core
    Motherboard
    Acer/Intel E946GZ
    Memory
    2GB (max upgrade)
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 3000 - PCI Express x16
    Sound Card
    Integrated RealTek ALC888 high-definition audio with 7.1 channel audio support
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Acer AL1917W A LCD
    Screen Resolution
    1440 X 900
    Hard Drives
    350 GB Seagate Barracuda 7200.10
    Thumb drives
    PSU
    Standard 250 watt
    Case
    Desktop 7.2" (183mm) W x 17.5" (445mm) L x 14.5"
    Cooling
    Dual case fans + CPU fan
    Keyboard
    Acer Windows PS/2
    Mouse
    Wireless Microsoft Arc
    Internet Speed
    54mbp/s
    Browser
    IE11
    Antivirus
    Defender
    Other Info
    Office Pro 2013 / Nokia Lumia 1520 Windows Phone 8.1DP GDR1
... and, :winkey: plus "." and ► or ◄ snaps to half screen left or right.
 

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    HP Pavillion
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    Tablet - Windows 10 Home
Glad to be back, as I thought I would have had time last year. I cannot believe that I only got back for about a day. All the information is really invaluable for me, plus it will help out when trying to explain to others.

The :winkey: + . is one of the most convenient shortcuts I have ever learned!

truegrasshopper.png

Thanks so much Tony! I'm really glad to be back, and I wish I could've been more involved last year, but I had more work to do that made me loose sight of the web and move towards basic editing. Hence the very-sloppy grasshoper with glasses!

:thumbsup:
 

My Computer

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  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro, iOS 7.1, Elementary OS
    Computer type
    Tablet
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Apple
    Memory
    1 GB
    Screen Resolution
    2048x1536
    Other Info
    iPad Air
(Windows 8.1 Pro)

Yes, Edwin. The WinKey/Period zooms the apps back slightly ready for next command. Snap can also be achieved with WinKey/R or L arrows. WinKey/Arrow up to maximize apps. WinKey/Arrow down closes a Store app. Alt/F4 to close Win32 apps as it always was.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    8.1 Pro X64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Acer T690
    CPU
    Intel Pentium D Dual Core
    Motherboard
    Acer/Intel E946GZ
    Memory
    2GB (max upgrade)
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 3000 - PCI Express x16
    Sound Card
    Integrated RealTek ALC888 high-definition audio with 7.1 channel audio support
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Acer AL1917W A LCD
    Screen Resolution
    1440 X 900
    Hard Drives
    350 GB Seagate Barracuda 7200.10
    Thumb drives
    PSU
    Standard 250 watt
    Case
    Desktop 7.2" (183mm) W x 17.5" (445mm) L x 14.5"
    Cooling
    Dual case fans + CPU fan
    Keyboard
    Acer Windows PS/2
    Mouse
    Wireless Microsoft Arc
    Internet Speed
    54mbp/s
    Browser
    IE11
    Antivirus
    Defender
    Other Info
    Office Pro 2013 / Nokia Lumia 1520 Windows Phone 8.1DP GDR1

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro, iOS 7.1, Elementary OS
    Computer type
    Tablet
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Apple
    Memory
    1 GB
    Screen Resolution
    2048x1536
    Other Info
    iPad Air
The :winkey: + . is one of the most convenient shortcuts I have ever learned!

Problem with a French keyboard is you have to use Shift as well... Once I figured that out it was better :)

:winkey: + shift + arrow if good for chucking screens onto different monitors too...
 

My Computer

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    Windows 10 Pro Prieview x64
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    ATI Radeon X1600
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    Apple
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    Varies
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The :winkey: + . is one of the most convenient shortcuts I have ever learned!

Problem with a French keyboard is you have to use Shift as well... Once I figured that out it was better :)

:winkey: + shift + arrow if good for chucking screens onto different monitors too...

So other language keyboards are different. Never knew that. Thanks for posting that info.

In case anyone is interested. Here is a list of combo keys. Reminder that 8 and 8.1 are a little different. Not sure if this list is current.

http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/2355-windows-8-keyboard-shortcut-keys-list.html
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    8.1 Pro X64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Acer T690
    CPU
    Intel Pentium D Dual Core
    Motherboard
    Acer/Intel E946GZ
    Memory
    2GB (max upgrade)
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 3000 - PCI Express x16
    Sound Card
    Integrated RealTek ALC888 high-definition audio with 7.1 channel audio support
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Acer AL1917W A LCD
    Screen Resolution
    1440 X 900
    Hard Drives
    350 GB Seagate Barracuda 7200.10
    Thumb drives
    PSU
    Standard 250 watt
    Case
    Desktop 7.2" (183mm) W x 17.5" (445mm) L x 14.5"
    Cooling
    Dual case fans + CPU fan
    Keyboard
    Acer Windows PS/2
    Mouse
    Wireless Microsoft Arc
    Internet Speed
    54mbp/s
    Browser
    IE11
    Antivirus
    Defender
    Other Info
    Office Pro 2013 / Nokia Lumia 1520 Windows Phone 8.1DP GDR1
So other language keyboards are different. Never knew that. Thanks for posting that info.

In case anyone is interested. Here is a list of combo keys. Reminder that 8 and 8.1 are a little different. Not sure if this list is current.

http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/2355-windows-8-keyboard-shortcut-keys-list.html
Excellent - thank you. I always prefer keys if I can. It is much quicker and more satisfying.

I wasn't being sarky about the keyboard thing by the way - I just kept doing semicolon - my fault completely. Interestingly all the :winkey: plus numbers work fine - you don't have to press shift whereas you do have to press shift for a number. It isn't keyboard specific it seems..
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 Pro Prieview x64
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    MacBook Pro Core2Duo
    CPU
    T7600
    Memory
    3
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Radeon X1600
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Internal
    Screen Resolution
    1440 x 800
    Hard Drives
    40GB
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    Apple
    Mouse
    Apple
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    Varies
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    Defender
What's next on the list for some Windows 8 learning?
 

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Post 6 has not been answered.

Hint 1: The green is actually the Modern/Metro Desktop, because there are really two now. Actually that desktop is the main one. The other a portal.

Hint 2. Drag it.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    8.1 Pro X64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Acer T690
    CPU
    Intel Pentium D Dual Core
    Motherboard
    Acer/Intel E946GZ
    Memory
    2GB (max upgrade)
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 3000 - PCI Express x16
    Sound Card
    Integrated RealTek ALC888 high-definition audio with 7.1 channel audio support
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Acer AL1917W A LCD
    Screen Resolution
    1440 X 900
    Hard Drives
    350 GB Seagate Barracuda 7200.10
    Thumb drives
    PSU
    Standard 250 watt
    Case
    Desktop 7.2" (183mm) W x 17.5" (445mm) L x 14.5"
    Cooling
    Dual case fans + CPU fan
    Keyboard
    Acer Windows PS/2
    Mouse
    Wireless Microsoft Arc
    Internet Speed
    54mbp/s
    Browser
    IE11
    Antivirus
    Defender
    Other Info
    Office Pro 2013 / Nokia Lumia 1520 Windows Phone 8.1DP GDR1

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    AsRock
    CPU
    Intel Core2 Quad Q8200
    Motherboard
    AsRock N7AD SLI
    Memory
    8GB DDRII
    Graphics Card(s)
    MSI Geforce GTX760 Twin Frozer
    Sound Card
    On Board Realtec
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Hanns G 221A
    Hard Drives
    Hitachi_HDP725050GLA360
    Case
    Yes, I have one. Less messy that way
    Mouse
    Squeek
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Avast
:winkey: + D will minimize your browser.
 

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Thank you, Chuck38, but that is "Show Desktop", which will minimize all windows on the desktop.

Anyone figure out post 6 yet? It has not been answered.

Hint 1: The green is actually the Modern/Metro Desktop, because there are really two now. Actually that desktop is the main one. The other a portal.

Hint 2. Drag it.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    8.1 Pro X64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Acer T690
    CPU
    Intel Pentium D Dual Core
    Motherboard
    Acer/Intel E946GZ
    Memory
    2GB (max upgrade)
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 3000 - PCI Express x16
    Sound Card
    Integrated RealTek ALC888 high-definition audio with 7.1 channel audio support
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Acer AL1917W A LCD
    Screen Resolution
    1440 X 900
    Hard Drives
    350 GB Seagate Barracuda 7200.10
    Thumb drives
    PSU
    Standard 250 watt
    Case
    Desktop 7.2" (183mm) W x 17.5" (445mm) L x 14.5"
    Cooling
    Dual case fans + CPU fan
    Keyboard
    Acer Windows PS/2
    Mouse
    Wireless Microsoft Arc
    Internet Speed
    54mbp/s
    Browser
    IE11
    Antivirus
    Defender
    Other Info
    Office Pro 2013 / Nokia Lumia 1520 Windows Phone 8.1DP GDR1
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