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Windows 8: tips, tweaks and secrets
Windows 8 tips: Getting started
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At first glance there's a lot to take in during your first steps into the brave new Windows 8 world. But fear not, we've compiled a smattering of helpful hints, tips, tweaks and secrets to help you get the most out of Microsoft's latest and greatest operating system.
Of course, as with any new product, there are loads of things still to discover. We'll update this guide over time to include any new, helpful nuggets of information. If there's anything you'd like to know in particular, leave a comment with us below.
223Comments
12/11/2012 17:29
13/11/2012 12:39
13/11/2012 13:34
13/11/2012 13:52
19/11/2012 14:59
22/11/2012 17:37
19/12/2012 04:12
well at least microsoft are consistant ,,,every operating system they bring out is worse than the previous one ,,,had they have been making cars or televisions they would have gone to the wall after about six months ,,,but because they make you sign an agreement to accept everything that they put on your computer ,, they are beyond reproach ,, there are still problems on xp that were there when it came out that have not been resolved ,,,so what chance has 7 and 8 got ,,, except to make them loads of money while the poor customer has to live with the problems ,, if they were making cars they would be made to call them all back in and put them right ,,, but microsoft just tell you to pay £28 to speak to an adviser ,,,,could you imagine if you bought a car from a garage and was asked for £28 to speak to a mechanic about a problem ,,,of course this only goes to explain why problems are so common on microsoft products ,,, problems generate income ,,,, and british telecom are just as bad ,,, they slow your broadband down but advertise as being the fastest ,,, tut ,,,,,
19/11/2012 10:59
25/11/2012 20:41
12/11/2012 21:16
Since upgrading from Windows Vista to Windows 8 at the weekend my Belkin router keeps crashing and disconnecting my laptop from the Internet. I thought maybe it had something to do with the Firewall but I'm not sure what to look for - I cannot see Belkin router listed anywhere but I'm assuming the original software was loaded on my PC which is the primary device on my network. Any ideas how to stop my laptop losing Internet connection via the router? The modem is still connected to the Internet. Thanks :)
13/11/2012 11:33
27/11/2012 22:42
Windows 8 great on a smart phone, crap on a lap top or desk top. I know mobile phones are getting big back to the days of the old house brick phones, but putting my lap top to my ear just do not look cool. I took my new lap top back & changed it for a different one with windows 7. Ah bliss now I have a PC which updates, one that does not get stuck on 13% configuring your windows updates, which repeats the process again 2 days later, I need a PC that does not pretend to be a mobile phone. I need a PC to be just that a PC, so please microsoft when you develop Windows 9 next month KEEP THE MOBILE PHONE OUT OF THE COMPUTER, thank you.
Jazz
09/12/2012 10:36
19/11/2012 16:03
I went to help someone setup a new computer they had bought (they had never used a computer before) and was faced for the first time with windows 8 - This now made 2 of us in a new situation.
First thing was the annoying narrator that speaks everytime you pass an icon - Once I clicked desktop and the screen looked like a windows 7 machine I easily exited the narrator at the bottom on the taskbar, however trying to switch it off permanently took a little longer and only because I roughly knew where this would be located - Windows used to ask you when you exited something that it would be reactivated when you restart and then give you the option of yes or no.
I'm not against technology moving forward and it seemed very quick but basically had to spend the whole time with the lady using the old style desktop and recommend this is what she uses.
Having setup a hotmail account for her - The mail tab layout is not as easy as using directly from the internet browser either
I'm sure it will get better and the more you use it, the easier it will become but it does seem more suited for touchcreens and obviously the new surface tablet as opposed to a standard desktop pc or Laptop
22/11/2012 07:09
I upgraded my Windows 7 laptop to Windows 8 without any problems. Windows 8 runs smoother and boots faster (I have less crap starting with windows). I did try the Start8 software because of no start button in Windows 8 but soon uninstalled it and got use to the new start screen very quickly. The start screen on Windows 8 (although it does take a little getting use to) is very nice. I don't see what some peoples problems are with it, I loved what was happening during it's build period & I love it even more now that's it's complete and the final version is also very reasonably priced. I personally think that Windows 8 is cool and a worthy upgrade to Windows 7. I only have 1 issue with Windows 8 and that is the fact that they decided to remove the media centre from it which came with Windows Vista & Windows 7 and are selling it separately (although quite cheap online) All in all I like it and to those who are putting it down give Windows 8 a chance. I think Microsoft have a good OS on their hands with a lot of good devices to run it. Time will tell if they can be competitive again and take over the market lead in the world of portable & mobile devices
20/11/2012 22:09
13/11/2012 09:41
Upgraded from Windows 7 to Windows 8 pro just over a week ago, first problem was getting the tiles to work, removing Avast anti-virus fixed this. While it was now working as it should I backed up all my files.
One week later it failed to boot passed the Tile Screen, three re-boots later and two attempts at running "Refresh your PC " failed to fix it.
A complete format and re-install was carried out , went without a hitch, apart from the app store tile refused to work, this was caused by downloading my nvidia drivers directly from nvidia.
Couple of tips
1/ Don't upgrade , back up your files and do a clean install of Windows 8
2/ Run windows update BEFORE you install any third party software.
3/ Apply for a Install Key from Microsoft and install WINDOWS MEDIA CENTRE
its free untill 31st January.
13/11/2012 13:22
13/11/2012 07:56
Iupgraded from 7 to 8 sunday there is no back arrow having to click many times to return to a page.
I tried to video link on facebook but the camera icon is missing I'm told it hassomething to do with my browser? I have had to go back to 7 just to make a facebook video chat. any solutions please.
I have live strwam from windows mail facebook and my photos are scoling down the screen with live feed I'm wondering can others see my photos along with the live stream. hope not have my childrens photos on P.C.
PITY IT TOOK SEVERAL HOURS TO DISCOVER BY CHANCE HOW TO TURN THE THING OFF.
ENOUGH TOGET ON WITH BUT I need my photos safe and my camera icon back on facebook where it belongs.
16/11/2012 11:15
More useful hints would have been:
How to get rid of the lock screen on a home computer?
How to get rid of the constant necessity to enter a password on a home computer?
How to stop having text messages with codes when I want to change a setting on a home computer?
It's a very fast OS, but too much time is wasted with the above hindrances - hopefully to be sorted by service pack 1?
How to get rid of the lock screen on a home computer?
How to get rid of the constant necessity to enter a password on a home computer?
How to stop having text messages with codes when I want to change a setting on a home computer?
It's a very fast OS, but too much time is wasted with the above hindrances - hopefully to be sorted by service pack 1?
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