E-Book Overview
Using Windows 8.1 is the essential step by step guide to using a computer running Windows 8, providing a complete resource for both the beginner and the enthusiast. Techniques are illustrated in step-by-step using photography and screen prints throughout, together with concise, easy to follow text from an established expert in the field, provide a comprehensive guide to Windows.
E-Book Content
Learn Windows the easy way, no jargon
Using Windows 8.1
Return of the Start Button Kevin Wilson
For your convenience Apress has placed some of the front matter material after the index. Please use the Bookmarks and Contents at a Glance links to access them.
Contents at a Glance About the Author
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Acknowledgments
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Introduction
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■ CHAPTER 1: Setting Up Windows 8 ■ CHAPTER 2: Getting to Know Windows ■ CHAPTER 3: Setting Up Users ■ CHAPTER 4: Setting Up Printers ■ CHAPTER 5: Setting Up Internet ■ CHAPTER 6: Common Tasks ■ CHAPTER 7: Computer Maintenance
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Introduction Using Windows 8.1 introduces you to the new verson of Microsoft Windows and is designed to help beginners and enthusiast users who want to get up and running quickly and make better use of their computers. Windows 8.1 is a major update from Windows XP, Vista, and Windows 7 and has some radical changes—from the introduction to the Start screen to the desktop and Charms Bar. We explore the fundamentals in this book. Love them or hate them, they're here to stay, so I will do my best to guide you through using your computer with Windows 8.1. This book has been especially written in a step-by-step fashion using photography and screen prints to illustrate the steps as clearly and concisely as possible. I hope this book is helpful to you.
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CHAPTER 1
Setting Up Windows 8 Most PCs will be running some version of Microsoft Windows.
Windows 8 is the latest version of Windows produced by Microsoft and is intended for use on personal computers, such as home and business desktops, laptops, tablets, and media center PCs. There are significant changes to the operating system, including a new touch-friendly interface with a new Start screen featuring a grid of applications offered with the system. These grid tiles dynamically update. The Start screen replaces the Start menu of earlier Windows versions, putting more emphasis on touch-screen input.
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CHAPTER 1 ■ SETTING UP WINDOWS 8
Windows 8 provides more integration with online services and introduces a new Windows Store, which is where different apps can be downloaded. Free and paid apps are available through the Windows Store. These apps are optimized for touch-screen environments and have a smaller scope in relation to desktop applications. Windows 8 is available in four versions. Windows RT is a version of Windows 8 designed specifically for mobile devices such as tablets. Windows 8 is intended for home users and is most likely installed on your new laptop or PC. Windows 8 Pro is aimed toward enthusiast users and professional environments such as offices, schools, and colleges. Windows 8 Enterprise is aimed toward larger business environments and large offices.
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CHAPTER 1 ■ SETTING UP WINDOWS 8
Hardware Setup First, place your machine on a firm desk and insert the battery.
Connect the power cord.
Plug power cord into the side of your laptop or desktop and press the Power button. I will be using my laptop for this example.
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CHAPTER 1 ■ SETTING UP WINDOWS 8
USB ports, which you will no doubt come across, let you connect mice, printers, scanners, cameras, and any other accessories you can think of to your computer quickly and easily.
You usually have some USB ports