Getting around in Windows 8

A common thread we’ve seen in the feedback so far about Windows 8, on this blog or elsewhere, positive or negative, is that people using Windows 8 for the first time might need a little help getting their bearings. For me, the best way to get acquainted with a new operating system is a lot like the way I got acquainted with the moving parts in a lot of the gadgets I tinkered with (by which I mean my parents’ stuff that I broke) growing up: just start messing with it. I know other people, though, who like to read before beginning or read as they go. You might be able to relate to one of these styles, or you might be somewhere in between. Either way, I hope some of this info can help you use Windows 8 even more quickly and efficiently.

Getting around in Windows 8

Getting around Windows 8 has been, for some like my mother, nightmarish.

Removing the Start orb was the first mistake. People have grown to depend on that little icon, removing it just confuses people.

Hiding the Shutdown/Restart button in the settings menu was also a mistake.

Making the Start Menu all cluttered whenever you install programs? Why not make a folder to put them all in?

Windows 8 is going to test consumer loyalty if it is to continue as it is. It's a risky decision, and not one that I believe will pay off...

Thanks for this RobinBredin

WestJ, it sounds like your mother would be a prime candidate to look at that blog post =)

Does she still have trouble finding the power button? I'm guessing it would take my mom one or two tries before she got the hang of it, but she's a wiz on her ipad now and that certainly took a minute or two.

If you feel the start menu is cluttered, you can unpin the tiles you don't want to see and then just type the first letter or the name of the app you want right from the start screen (no need to go to search first!). I think that nesting folders is a bit tidier depending on your mindset, but I like the idea of just making things go away until I want them.

It's a bit late now to let her read that blog post... She's already thrown the laptop out the window, and flipped the table.

:/

HAHAHAH!!!!