Ed Bott’s Windows 8 Head Start, Consumer Preview Edition is a fast-paced, information-dense guide that gives you what you need to know to thoroughly evaluate the radically changed Windows 8, plus all-new shortcuts, tips, and secrets throughout. You’ll find detailed information on how to:
•Check your system requirements and install Windows 8 the right way—as a clean install or as an upgrade that preserves data files and settings
•Set up a dual-boot configuration so you can use Windows 7 and Windows 8 on the same PC
•Learn the secrets of Windows 8’s new Start and search screens
•Completely revamp Start to suit your productivity needs
•Create custom Shut Down and Restart shortcuts
•Manage groups of icons
•Master touchscreens and tablets
•Learn how to use the powerful, completely revamped Windows Explorer
•Work with features aimed at experts and power users, including the new Task Manager, Hyper-V virtualization, and slick multi-monitor capabilities
This book isn’t a “gee whiz” overview for Windows newbies; it’s a thoroughly tested, carefully edited, and professionally produced guide written especially for the millions of enthusiasts, developers, and IT pros who’ve downloaded Windows 8 looking for a head start on Microsoft’s new operating system. In Ed Bott’s Windows 8 Head Start, award-winning author and Microsoft expert Ed Bott meticulously explains how to set up, customize, and use Windows 8 so that you’re productive and comfortable with it from the start.
Table of Contents
CHAPTER 1, Eight Things You Need to Know About Windows 8
1. It’s ready for serious testing
2. The new Start screen is a radical change
3. The Windows 8 design language is called Metro style
4. Windows 8 has a dual personality
5. It’s designed for use on touchscreens
6. It works well with keyboard and mouse
7. It’s going to take some getting used to
8. It’s not finished yet
CHAPTER 2, Setup and Configuration–the Short Version
Can Your PC Run Windows 8?
Downloading and Installing the Windows 8 Consumer Preview
Preparing Your Installation Media
Create a Bootable USB Flash Drive from Downloaded Installer Files
Create a Bootable USB Flash Drive from an ISO File
Burn an ISO File to DVD
Perform a Clean Install
Upgrade an Existing Windows Installation
Customizing Settings
CHAPTER 3, Mastering the Windows 8 User Interface
What You Need to Know to Get Started with Windows 8
How to Lock and Unlock a Windows 8 PC
How to Get to the Start Screen
How to Find an Installed App or Windows Desktop Program
How to Pin an App or Program to Start or to the Desktop
How to Switch Between Running Apps/Programs
How to Adjust a Windows Setting
How to Find Files and Folders
How to Shut Down or Restart a PC Running Windows 8
Navigating with a Touchscreen
Using the Touch Keyboard
Arranging Apps
Keyboard Shortcuts for Experts
CHAPTER 4, Customizing Windows 8
Three Essential Customization Tools
The Settings Pane
PC Settings
Control Panel
Making the Start Screen More Personal
Removing Unnecessary Tiles and Uninstalling Apps
Pinning New Tiles to Start
Organizing Tiles into Groups
Synchronizing the Start and Desktop Backgrounds
Personalizing the Windows Environment
Personalize
General
Search
Ease of Access
Adjusting Options for Apps
Notifications
Privacy
Share
Fine-tuning System Settings
Devices
Windows Update
Wireless
HomeGroup
CHAPTER 5, Organizing and Finding Files and Folders
A Quick Tour of the New Windows Explorer
Copying and Moving Files
Managing Libraries
Searching and Filtering
Location Commands
Refine Commands
Options Commands
Connecting to the Cloud with SkyDrive
CHAPTER 6, Browsing the Web
Using the Metro Style Browser
Switching Between Browsers
Adjusting Internet Explorer Desktop Options
CHAPTER 7, The Windows Desktop
What’s New and Changed in the Windows 8 Desktop?
Digging into System Details with T
