Windows 8.1
It’s a Good System
SIR Phil Goff
Branch 116
November 21, 2013
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Too Much to Cover Today
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Quick overview to help you start with Windows 8.1
So many things you can do with the new operating system
Multiple ways to do any task. I just describe what works for me
Put all the bad press aside and decide for yourself. You may really
like it
• Presentation is posted on our website so you can refer back to the
links and instructions:
http://a2cat.sirinc2.org
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Still Using Win XP?
• Windows XP first introduced 12 years ago.
• Over 20% of computers still using the system.
• Microsoft will stop support in April, 2014.
• No More Updates
• No Security fixes
• Make a plan to upgrade.
• No reason to move to Windows 7. Jump to Windows 8.1.
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Many Decisions
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Will your computer run 8.1?
Which programs will run in 8.1?
Which version should you buy?
OEM or Upgrade? Pricing?
Do I Need a Touch Screen?
What is the Metro or Start Menu?
How to Boot to Desktop?
How to Customize Start Menu?
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More Decisions
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Do you need Add-on like Classic Start Menu?
How does Dual Boot Work?
What is Skydrive?
A Few New Tricks
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Will My Computer Run Windows
8.1?
• If you are running Win XP or Vista, go to this link to check your
computer:
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/upgrade-towindows-8
• If you are running Win 7 then Windows 8 will run on your computer.
• If you are running Win 8 then Windows 8.1 will run on your
computer.
• Windows 8.1 is a free upgrade for Windows 8
• Once Windows 8 is running you can download Windows 8.1
Upgrade
• Download is 3.5GB so it is huge!
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Will My Programs Run in Windows 8?
• Microsoft’s website will test all of your programs for compatibility
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/upgrade-towindows-8
Note: the website now refers to Windows 8.1
• Office 2003 will work in Windows 8 & 8.1 even though it may say it
will not.
• Support for Office 2003 will stop in April 2014.
• You may wish to try one of the Open Source products like Libre
Office
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Which Version Should I Buy?
• Windows 8 comes in 2 versions: Windows Basic and Windows Pro
• Windows RT is not Windows 8! It is a web based system.
• Windows 8 Basic or Pro is fine for Home Use.
• You are unlikely to ever use the additional features of the Pro
version
• If it doesn’t say “Pro” then it is the basic version
• Check these websites to see the differences
http://www.intowindows.com/windows-8-windows-8-pro/
http://www.techradar.com/us/news/software/operatingsystems/windows-8-versions-which-is-right-for-you-1076505
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Buy OEM or Upgrade?
• Always go with 64-bit system. It works fine with 32-bit programs.
• Amazon has Windows 8 Basic 64-bit (System Builder) for $100.
• This can be installed on a clean drive with no other Operating
System.
• You will need to reload all of your programs and data files.
• Amazon has Windows 8 Upgrade Pro 64-bit for $75.
• Upgrade will only install on a computer running Win XP, Vista
or 7.
• Upgrade will retain all of your programs and data files.
• Upgrade can be installed as dual boot if you wish.
• Dual boot will require you to reload your programs and data
files.
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How to Setup Dual Boot
• Dual Boot means to setup your computer with two Operating
Systems, e.g. Windows 7 and Windows 8.1.
• You will need a clean partition for the new Operating System
• You will need to reload all of your programs and data files for the
new system
• When finished you may boot into Win 7 or Win 8.1 upon startup.
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Upgrading to Windows 8
• Win 8 Upgrade will overwrite your existing Win 7, Vista or XP
partition but keep all programs and data files in place. The old
Operating System will be gone.
• This is the simplest way to convert to Windows 8
• You may use the Upgrade copy for a dual boot if you wish. Google
how to set it up.
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Do I Need Touch Screen?
• NO!
• Touch Screens only add value in a few situations.
• Swipe right side of screen to get “Charm” Bar
• Swipe left side of screen to toggle to “Start” screen
• Touch Screen functionality may become more robust in the future.
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“Metro” or “Start” Screen
• “Metro” or “Start” screen shows your shortcuts as tiles rather
than icons.
• Looks like Windows Phone start screen
• Good screen if you only use a few programs.
• Most people will opt to use the conventional desktop with icons
for programs.
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First View of Windows 8
This is the “Metro” or “Start” Menu
Click on Square labeled “Desktop”
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Do I Need an Add-On Program Like
Classic Start Menu?
• Windows 8.1 does not have the old Start Button on lower left
• Several programs like Classic Start Menu and Stardock will
recreate the Start Button similar to Windows 7
• You don’t need the Start button!
• The New Windows icon in place of the Start Button is very
powerful
• Right click the Window icon and see the options
• You don’t need an Add-On Program!
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Customizing Options for 8.1
• Too many options to cover today
• Many ways to accomplish any task
• Two important options are:
• You can boot to “Start” or Desktop
• You can resize and label “Start” screen tiles to your liking
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Start Menu Boxes
• The term “Start” menu means the “Metro” view.
• The Tiles on the Start screen function the same as Icons on the
Desktop of Win 7
• In some cases they have additional functionality by showing
content within the Tile
• You can group the Tiles on the Start Menu to your liking
• You can change the labels of groups of Tiles to your liking
• Once organized the Start Menu is very easy to use
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Switching from “Metro” to
Desktop Screen
• Various ways to switch back and forth:
• From the Start Screen, click on the tile labeled “Desktop”
• Press the “windows” key on your keyboard.
• Click on the window icon in lower left corner of screen.
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Old Friend the Desktop
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How to Boot to Desktop
Open the Desktop Screen
Right click on the bar at the bottom
Select the Navigation Tab and Click
where shown:
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Cool New Features
• Windows 8.1 Boots Quickly
• The “Search” function is extremely powerful.
• Will search your computer or the web or both.
• The “windows” icon on the lower left contains many tools:
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Right Click the Windows Icon
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Customizing the Tiles
• Go to Start Screen
• Right Click anywhere and a bar will be revealed at the bottom
of the screen
• Click on “Customize” at bottom right.
• Drag the tiles into logical groups and edit the titles of the
groups.
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Customize the Start Screen
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See All Your Programs
• Programs and Apps are really the same thing.
• Each must be written for a particular operating system, i.e.
Apple, Android, Windows, etc.
• Apps are often available for all popular systems.
• Programs such as Office, Quicken, etc tend to be larger and
are only available on the PC or MAC.
• In Windows 7, you could see all your programs by clicking on the
Start button in lower left.
• In Windows 8, go to the Start screen and click on the little down
arrow on lower left.
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See All Your Programs (cont.)
• Left click on a program (or app) and it will launch
• Right click on the program (or app) and several options will be
shown at the bottom of the screen.
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Full App & Program List
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Common Question
• I loaded a program and it shows on the Start screen. How do I create
an icon on the Desktop screen?
• Right click on the tile on the Start screen.
• In the bar at the bottom click on “Open File Location”
• Right click on the program, hover over “Send To” and select
“Desktop”
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Skydrive Integration
• Skydrive is Microsoft’s cloud service
• To load Windows 8.1 you need a Windows live account
• Register Windows.live.com with your email address
• Pick a password
• This will be your logon ID to your computer
• Microsoft will log you into Skydrive when you log into your
computer
• This is a source of irritation to privacy advocates
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SkyDrive in Windows 8.1
• Microsoft wants you to store data in Skydrive.
• They give you 7GB free to start. (More costs money.)
Folders Suggested
by Microsoft
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SkyDrive in Windows 8.1
• Any File stored in a Skydrive Folder is synced to your Skydrive
cloud storage.
• Right Click any file or folder under Skydrive and you can go online
to Skydrive cloud
• From the Website of Skydrive you can share files and folders
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Keyboard Commands
• Pressing Windows Key will toggle to Start or Desktop
• Windows Key + D will take you to desktop
• Windows Key + C will open the Charm Bar
• Windows Key + S will open the Search Box. Or just start typing
anywhere on Start screen and the Search box will open.
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Helpful Hints
• In Addition to the traditional “Control Panel” PC Settings is very powerful
• Open the “Charm Bar” by pressing Windows + C or move your mouse to the right
edge of the screen
Click on
“Settings”
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PC Settings
Click on “Change PC Settings”
PC Settings
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PC Settings (cont.)
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My Take on Windows 8.1
• It’s a great system overall
• It forced change on people which they don’t like
• Journalists jumped on Windows 8 to increase readership
• Windows 8.1 takes some time to be used to new commands
• Whether a simple user or Power user it will work well for
you.
• Things I don’t like:
• The new Skype – too clean, no obvious commands
• Charm Bar isn’t all that useful
• Start Screen has limited value to me.
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Closing Thoughts
• Develop a plan to convert to Windows 8.1
• Straight Upgrade on existing computer,
• Clean install on a new hard drive and reload programs,
• Dual boot on existing computer, or
• Buy a new computer and move all your programs and files
• Windows 9 will be out in about a year, so convert now.
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