SWindows 8 Desktop help

exnarc

New Member
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5
Location
Chattanooga, TN
I am an old, retired Federal law enforcement officer, now doing PI work. I need a computer for work, word processing, internet searches, writing my second book,etc. I am no longer fascinated by shiny colors and bright lights. I don't twitter or utube. I would like all my software to appear on my desktop, so I don't have to wander around all the pretty tiles looking for what I want. Is there a simple way to make 8 look like a work computer. I jumped form XP to this, and I hate it! Help.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    xp
Did you build the computer or buy a whole new computer? If you built the computer then you'd be better offer buying a copy of Win7 for your needs.

If you bought the computer with win8 you can either down grade to win7, but you'd have to purchase a copy of win7 or there are some ways to boot the desktop, but the process to get it there can be involved. And if you're not the most technical it can be challenging.

Here is a couple ways to achieve this:


  1. http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/7449-desktop-boot-directly-windows-8-a.html
  2. http://www.eightforums.com/software-apps/5437-classic-shell-windows-8-a.html
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win8.1 Pro 64bit
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom Build
    CPU
    Intel Core I5 3570K 3.4Ghz w/ Zalman CNPS9900NT RT
    Motherboard
    MSI Z77A-G45 Gaming
    Memory
    G.Skill F3-12800CL9D-8GbXL ; 4Gx2
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA GTX 770 Superclocked
    Sound Card
    Creative Sound Blaster Z
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dual ViewSonic VX2770Smh-LED Black 27" IPS-Panel
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    Intel 730 Series SSD 240GBx2 RAID0 Win8.1Pro 6GB/s Sata III
    Intel 320 Series SSD 600GBx2 RAID0 Games 3GB/s Sata II
    Kingston Hyper X 240GB SSD Itunes Drive 6GB/s Sata III
    Western Digital Scorpio Black 1TB - Docked via Esata
    PSU
    Cooler Master GX 750W
    Case
    Corsair Vengence C70
    Cooling
    120mm, 140mm.
    Keyboard
    Corsair Vengence K70
    Mouse
    Logitech G500 Laser
    Internet Speed
    Generally 50/Mbps+
    Browser
    Firefox, Chrome, IE
    Other Info
    Samsung Bluray Optical Drive
    WD 1tb storage backup with Thermatake dock
    Sennheiser 558 Headphones
    Swan M50W 2.1 speakers
    Netgear WNDR4500
I am an old, retired Federal law enforcement officer, now doing PI work. I need a computer for work, word processing, internet searches, writing my second book,etc. I am no longer fascinated by shiny colors and bright lights. I don't twitter or utube. I would like all my software to appear on my desktop, so I don't have to wander around all the pretty tiles looking for what I want. Is there a simple way to make 8 look like a work computer. I jumped form XP to this, and I hate it! Help.

Install Classic Shell. Classic Shell | Free software downloads at SourceForge.net
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win7/8 Mint
    System Manufacturer/Model
    lenovo W530
    CPU
    intell i7
    Motherboard
    Lenovo
    Memory
    16gb
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    512 gb ssd
    Other Info
    Around 13 million employes
Anyway, why the hell did you jump from xp to 8, if you didn't need it ??? Don't tell me ... Just go back to xp or try win7 with classic theme :)
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    ljkhlj
I love how we're quick to go for classic shell or Windows 7 versus putting five minutes of effort.....

Anyways, it's not hard to get the Start Screen usable to how YOU use it. To get some Desktop locations and items onto Start, go on the Desktop in File Explorer, then just right click on either a folder, library, hard drive, or Control Panel item and hit Pin to Start. Then, go to Start. Near to end of the tiles, you'll see the new tiles made. Of which, you can click and drag them to where you like. Same goes for programs, although when you install them, you'll find the shortcuts already there. Or, if you're on the Start Screen, right click and hit All apps on the bottom. Scroll over to find all the program files, and again, right click on those small tiles and at the bottom, hit Pin to Start. Simple as that.

I, for example, have Documents, Pictures, Videos, and Music libraries pinned to Start; as well as Computer, Downloads, Recycle Bin, Action Center, Power Options, Networking and Sharing Center, Programs and Features (those were Control Panel bits) along with Office 2013 programs and several others. I feel after using Windows 8 and the Start Screen for OVER A YEAR, it's faster to use if you put a few minutes of effort in making the Start Screen yours. Then, I also use this little utility that right now, lets me use my Desktop wallpaper slideshow, blurred a bit, as the Start Screen background. It can let you customize Start Screen colors even further than what you already can.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS
    CPU
    AMD FX 8320
    Motherboard
    Crosshair V Formula-Z
    Memory
    16 gig DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS R9 270
    Screen Resolution
    1440x900
    Hard Drives
    1 TB Seagate Barracuda (starting to hate Seagate)
    x2 3 TB Toshibas
    Windows 8.1 is installed on a SanDisk Ultra Plus 256 GB
    PSU
    OCZ 500 watt
    Case
    A current work in progres as I'll be building the physical case myself. It shall be fantastic.
    Cooling
    Arctic Cooler with 3 heatpipes
    Keyboard
    Logitech K750 wireless solar powered keyboard
    Mouse
    Microsoft Touch Mouse
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender, but I might go back on KIS 2014
I love how we're quick to go for classic shell or Windows 7 versus putting five minutes of effort.....

Anyways, it's not hard to get the Start Screen usable to how YOU use it. To get some Desktop locations and items onto Start, go on the Desktop in File Explorer, then just right click on either a folder, library, hard drive, or Control Panel item and hit Pin to Start. Then, go to Start. Near to end of the tiles, you'll see the new tiles made. Of which, you can click and drag them to where you like. Same goes for programs, although when you install them, you'll find the shortcuts already there. Or, if you're on the Start Screen, right click and hit All apps on the bottom. Scroll over to find all the program files, and again, right click on those small tiles and at the bottom, hit Pin to Start. Simple as that.

I, for example, have Documents, Pictures, Videos, and Music libraries pinned to Start; as well as Computer, Downloads, Recycle Bin, Action Center, Power Options, Networking and Sharing Center, Programs and Features (those were Control Panel bits) along with Office 2013 programs and several others. I feel after using Windows 8 and the Start Screen for OVER A YEAR, it's faster to use if you put a few minutes of effort in making the Start Screen yours. Then, I also use this little utility that right now, lets me use my Desktop wallpaper slideshow, blurred a bit, as the Start Screen background. It can let you customize Start Screen colors even further than what you already can.

I agree, but the op didn't really sound intersted in learning the whole win8 environment just yet. I've seen many of your threads. I agree way too many bashing metro when it's very simple to take some time to custimize a bit and it's much faster to access programs this way rather than drill down multiple folders. Winkey click program done. It launches faster from the start page.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win8.1 Pro 64bit
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom Build
    CPU
    Intel Core I5 3570K 3.4Ghz w/ Zalman CNPS9900NT RT
    Motherboard
    MSI Z77A-G45 Gaming
    Memory
    G.Skill F3-12800CL9D-8GbXL ; 4Gx2
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA GTX 770 Superclocked
    Sound Card
    Creative Sound Blaster Z
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dual ViewSonic VX2770Smh-LED Black 27" IPS-Panel
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    Intel 730 Series SSD 240GBx2 RAID0 Win8.1Pro 6GB/s Sata III
    Intel 320 Series SSD 600GBx2 RAID0 Games 3GB/s Sata II
    Kingston Hyper X 240GB SSD Itunes Drive 6GB/s Sata III
    Western Digital Scorpio Black 1TB - Docked via Esata
    PSU
    Cooler Master GX 750W
    Case
    Corsair Vengence C70
    Cooling
    120mm, 140mm.
    Keyboard
    Corsair Vengence K70
    Mouse
    Logitech G500 Laser
    Internet Speed
    Generally 50/Mbps+
    Browser
    Firefox, Chrome, IE
    Other Info
    Samsung Bluray Optical Drive
    WD 1tb storage backup with Thermatake dock
    Sennheiser 558 Headphones
    Swan M50W 2.1 speakers
    Netgear WNDR4500
I love how we're quick to go for classic shell or Windows 7 versus putting five minutes of effort.....

Anyways, it's not hard to get the Start Screen usable to how YOU use it. To get some Desktop locations and items onto Start, go on the Desktop in File Explorer, then just right click on either a folder, library, hard drive, or Control Panel item and hit Pin to Start. Then, go to Start. Near to end of the tiles, you'll see the new tiles made. Of which, you can click and drag them to where you like. Same goes for programs, although when you install them, you'll find the shortcuts already there. Or, if you're on the Start Screen, right click and hit All apps on the bottom. Scroll over to find all the program files, and again, right click on those small tiles and at the bottom, hit Pin to Start. Simple as that.

I, for example, have Documents, Pictures, Videos, and Music libraries pinned to Start; as well as Computer, Downloads, Recycle Bin, Action Center, Power Options, Networking and Sharing Center, Programs and Features (those were Control Panel bits) along with Office 2013 programs and several others. I feel after using Windows 8 and the Start Screen for OVER A YEAR, it's faster to use if you put a few minutes of effort in making the Start Screen yours. Then, I also use this little utility that right now, lets me use my Desktop wallpaper slideshow, blurred a bit, as the Start Screen background. It can let you customize Start Screen colors even further than what you already can.

I agree, but the op didn't really sound intersted in learning the whole win8 environment just yet. I've seen many of your threads. I agree way too many bashing metro when it's very simple to take some time to custimize a bit and it's much faster to access programs this way rather than drill down multiple folders. Winkey click program done. It launches faster from the start page.
OP also mentioned he is not interested in shiny colors and bright lights. Hmmm, what has shiny colors and bright lights? Windows 8 doesn't. :D
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS
    CPU
    AMD FX 8320
    Motherboard
    Crosshair V Formula-Z
    Memory
    16 gig DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS R9 270
    Screen Resolution
    1440x900
    Hard Drives
    1 TB Seagate Barracuda (starting to hate Seagate)
    x2 3 TB Toshibas
    Windows 8.1 is installed on a SanDisk Ultra Plus 256 GB
    PSU
    OCZ 500 watt
    Case
    A current work in progres as I'll be building the physical case myself. It shall be fantastic.
    Cooling
    Arctic Cooler with 3 heatpipes
    Keyboard
    Logitech K750 wireless solar powered keyboard
    Mouse
    Microsoft Touch Mouse
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender, but I might go back on KIS 2014
I would also agree with the suggestion to install Windows 7. It is my favorite operating system by far.

I've used windows 8 extensively, but even with start menu customizations and considerable tweaking, it still remains a disjointed OS.

It seems many people don't like Windows 8, myself included. There's nothing wrong with having a personal preference for one or the other.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows
exnarc▬ it sounds like you just want to easily use 8 for the basics. It is easy.
While you are on Start Screen (with tiles)
•If you want to open Wordpad or MS Word, press the W key and click the icon
•Press E key for Excel or other programs beginning with E

You can return to Start Screen by pressing the Windows key

•You probably don't like the Internet Explorer you get by opening it on Start Screen (easily fixedright now)
1- click the Tools button or the Gear in upper right corner
2- click Internet Options
3- click Programs tab
4- top section asks about how you prefer to open links.
a. Make your choice for 'Always in Internet Explorer on the desktop'.
b. Place a check mark in the box ' Open Internet Explorer tiles on the desktop.

Internet Options Default View.png

If you need help pinning programs to your Start Screen or Taskbar or creating shortcuts on your desktop let us know.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    8.1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    i7-3770K
    Motherboard
    ASRock Z77 Extreme4
    Memory
    16 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    onboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    17" 24"
    Hard Drives
    1 TB WD
    PSU
    550w
I've used windows 8 extensively, but even with start menu customizations and considerable tweaking, it still remains a disjointed OS.
How can it be disjointed, when, after one simple application install, it looks and acts just like Windows 7...no tweaking necessary?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro x64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    Intel Core i7-3770K
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte GA-Z77-UD3H
    Memory
    16 GB Patriot Viper 3 DDR3-1600
    Graphics Card(s)
    Nvidia 470 GTX
    Sound Card
    Onboard
    Hard Drives
    Crucial M4 256 GB, WD WD20EFRX 2 TB
    PSU
    OCZ 700W
    Case
    Corsair 300R
    Cooling
    Cooler Master Hyper 212 Evo
Thanks, but not much. I just want to put the icons for all the software I use on the desktop. I do not want to re-work the whole thing. I like having all my software in one place. Is that simple thing possible?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    xp
With just a little bit of time (less than ½ hour) anyone can setup 8 to be operated from the Desktop
without going back to Start Screen with exceptions (depending which shortcuts you don't put in desktop or desktop folders.
I like Taskbar on left because
1- I learned to read left toright
2- I can stack Toolbars and hide icons
Screenshot (33a).png Screenshot (34).jpg
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    8.1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    i7-3770K
    Motherboard
    ASRock Z77 Extreme4
    Memory
    16 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    onboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    17" 24"
    Hard Drives
    1 TB WD
    PSU
    550w
Thanks, but not much. I just want to put the icons for all the software I use on the desktop. I do not want to re-work the whole thing. I like having all my software in one place. Is that simple thing possible?

Yes. When you boot your computer, just click on the Desktop tile. After you install the apps you want, right click on the tile in the start page and choose "pin to taskbar". After that, the icon will be on your desktop taskbar. After you've pinned all your apps to the taskbar, you only ever have to see the start page when you boot. After you go to the desktop, you don't have to look at it again.

When you want to shut down, just push the power button on your computer, or ctrl-alt-del and click the button in the lower right hand corner and choose shutdown.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro
    CPU
    Intel i7 3770K
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte Z77X-UD4 TH
    Memory
    16GB DDR3 1600
    Graphics Card(s)
    nVidia GTX 650
    Sound Card
    Onboard Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Auria 27" IPS + 2x Samsung 23"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440 + 2x 2048x1152
    Hard Drives
    Corsair m4 256GB, 2 WD 2TB drives
    Case
    Antec SOLO II
    Keyboard
    Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000
    Mouse
    Logitech MX
REAL EZ
Right-click on Start Screen & click on All Apps in lower right corner

Right-click any App you want a shortcut for & click on Open file location in lower left

Right-click the shortcut icon & Send to desktop (create shortcut)



Screenshot (29).png
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    8.1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    i7-3770K
    Motherboard
    ASRock Z77 Extreme4
    Memory
    16 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    onboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    17" 24"
    Hard Drives
    1 TB WD
    PSU
    550w
I've used windows 8 extensively, but even with start menu customizations and considerable tweaking, it still remains a disjointed OS.
How can it be disjointed, when, after one simple application install, it looks and acts just like Windows 7...no tweaking necessary?

So anyway, why the hell i should install that app to get win7 like start menu, when i can just install windows 7 without any not very nice apps ? :D Plus, windows 7 is much safer and has so much less bugs, plus it's not slower, and i made it even faster with few tweaks :) I tried windows 8 and i didn't notice any area, where windows 8 is better for my pc :)
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    ljkhlj
The way to deal with the start screen is to remove all the pointless apps (that means everything there is not a single app that anyone will ever need) then never go there again! Remove the short cuts for IE.

Use a start menu replacement that gives you a start button and takes you straight to the desktop. You then have a usable multitasking, multi-windowed OS that you can run productive programs and proper browsers like Firefox or Chrome. You now begin to approach a grown up work tool instead of the child's toy that the two or three Win8 Modern Ui lovers seem to enjoy.

Oh and if you want a tablet take an aspirin or buy an ipad, a surface is just somewhere to rest your beer glass!
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win 8
REAL EZ
Right-click on Start Screen & click on All Apps in lower right corner

Right-click any App you want a shortcut for & click on Open file location in lower left

Right-click the shortcut icon & Send to desktop (create shortcut)



View attachment 13706

+1 for this as it seem's to actually answer the OP's question the rest is just people arguing about how they do it or how 7 > 8.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 Pro 32 & 64 bit w/ some Linux VMs
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