Chapter 1
Windows 8 and Modern UI
Pin a Tile to the Start Screen
SIGN IN
Windows 8 starts with the Lock screen. From here you need to enter your information to gain access to the rest of the Windows applications.
You can sign in using your Microsoft account, which is an email address and password that you use to sign in to all Microsoft sites and services. If you use Hotmail, SkyDrive, Xbox LIVE, or a Windows phone, you already have a Microsoft account. If you don’t already have a Microsoft account, you can sign up for one.
Do I have to use a Microsoft account to use Windows 8?
No. If you don’t want to use a Microsoft account, you can sign in without it, but if you don’t use a Microsoft account, you can’t access many of the new Modern UI apps that appear in Windows 8.
Originally, I didn’t want to use a Microsoft account, but now I do. What should I do to change this?
You can switch to a Microsoft account by pressing 
+ C, which displays the Charm bar. Click Settings, and then click Change PC settings.
Click Users. Then click Switch to a Microsoft account and follow the instructions.
You can also use the same steps to switch from a Microsoft account to a local account.
THE START SCREEN
The first screen you see after you sign in is called the Start screen. The Start screen is a tile-based screen with blocks on it called Modern UI apps.
Modern UI apps are designed to have a single window that fills the entire screen by default, so there are no distractions.
Windows 8 provides several mouse pointing gestures you can use to access different areas of the Start screen, as well as keyboard shortcuts to many of them.
THE START SCREEN
THE WINDOWS KEY
If you’ve ever used a previous version of Windows, you know that most tasks began with a click of the Start button. In Windows 8, because the Modern UI apps have replaced the desktop as the home screen of Windows, you need a way to move around.
Windows 8 extensively uses the key, called the Windows key, to accomplish tasks. Used by itself or in combination with other keys, the key gets the job done. The key is located on the bottom row of your keyboard, and it’s the second key from the left, just next to the 
key.
THE WINDOWS KEY
You can use in combination with many keys as shortcuts to perform Windows 8 tasks.
Some of these keyboard shortcuts only work while you are in non-Modern UI apps, such as when using Office or File Explorer.
You use the keyboard shortcuts by tapping and holding down on your keyboard while striking another character on the keyboard.
ABOUT MODERN UI APPS
Windows 8 comes with 19 Modern UI apps, and many more are available for purchase or for free.
The Modern UI tile icons may remind you of signs commonly found at public transportation systems.
Many Modern UI apps also use animation such as transitions. Throughout this book, we will work with several of the Modern UI apps.
Send and receive email. The Mail app in Modern UI supports Hotmail, Microsoft Exchange, and Google Mail. (See Chapter 10.)
PEOPLE
The People app is your Windows 8 address book. Keep track of family, friends, and acquaintances by storing addresses and phone numbers in the People app.
The Messaging app is where the instant messaging action happens. Instant messaging is the process of typing in real time to communicate with others, also in real time. (See Chapter 11.)
DESKTOP
The desktop is probably the app you will use most often. Through the desktop, you can access non-Modern UI applications such as Office, File Explorer, WordPad, Paint, and other programs. You can also customize many of your computer settings through the desktop. (See Chapter 13.)
CALENDAR
Keep track of your schedule by using the Calendar. Set reminders to alert you of upcoming events. (See Chapter 3.)
PHOTOS
Browse photos stored not just on your computer, but on all your cloud accounts, including SkyDrive, Facebook, and Flickr. (See Chapter 5.) View your favorite images in a slide show format.
The Video app allows you to view many of the cute videos that friends send you through your email. You can also purchase, download, and watch movies and television shows.
WEATHER
The Weather application’s live tile shows you the current weather for your default location. You can view the weather for multiple locations around the world.
INTERNET EXPLORER
Browse the Internet and surf to your heart’s delight. Modern UI Internet Explorer is similar to the Internet Explorer you may have used before. (See Chapter 9.)
STORE
This is where you’ll add new Modern UI apps to your Windows 8 system. Many useful free apps are available, along with other apps that you can purchase. (See “Get Modern UI Apps” later in this chapter.)
The Maps app is a Modern UI app version of the Bing Maps service provided by Microsoft. Use the Maps app to find any address or directions between two addresses.
SKYDRIVE
SkyDrive is Microsoft’s online storage solution. Store your documents, photos, and other files where you can access them with any Internet-capable device or computer. (See Chapter 4.)
MUSIC
The Music app allows you to manage and listen to music you keep on your computer. You can also purchase, download, and listen to music from the Internet. (See Chapter 6.)
XBOX LIVE GAMES
You can use the Xbox LIVE Games app to connect with others using an Xbox account. Purchase and play online games alone or with other Xbox users.
You can use this app when you have a webcam attached to your computer. Visit with family and friends without leaving your house.
NEWS
Read news from Bing Daily, which presents stories from the Associated Press and other news sources. You can select which news sources you want to use, such as CNN News, Fox News, The New York Times, and many others.
SPORTS
Catch up on your favorite sports news from Bing Sports. Select all sports or just the sports you enjoy.
TRAVEL
View beautiful photos of exotic places around the world. Plan a trip by booking a flight or hotel.
USE A MODERN UI APP
Opening a Modern UI app is a single mouse click away.
The first time you use some of the Modern UI apps, Windows may prompt you with a question.
USE A MODERN UI APP
Is there another way to locate an app?
Yes. From the Start screen, simply begin typing the first letters of the app you want. As you type, Windows 8 displays a list of apps with the letters you type. When you see the app you want to use, click the tile.
Can I have more than one app open at a time?
Yes, you can have as many apps open as you want. You can switch between the apps by holding down the key and tapping the key. Keep tapping the key until you get to the app you want to use. Then release the key.
CLOSE A MODERN UI APP
THE APP BAR
While in the Start screen or in any Modern UI screen, you can bring up the App bar.
The App bar displays some of the available options while you’re in the app.
The choices you see vary, depending on which app you are using.
THE APP BAR
SHOW ALL APPS
Besides the standard Modern UI apps you see on the Start screen, Windows 8 comes with many other tools and desktop apps such as WordPad, Paint, and StickyNotes.
Over time, you may add additional apps from the Windows Store or install non-Modern UI programs such as Microsoft Office or Peachtree Accounting.
SHOW ALL APPS
MOVE TILES
While on the Start screen, you can reorganize the Modern UI app tiles.
Make your favorite apps more accessible by placing them next to each other.
MOVE TILES
RESIZE TILES
On the Start screen, some tiles are larger than others.
You can change the size of any tile to make it large or small.
RESIZE TILES
PIN A TILE TO THE START SCREEN
If you have a program that you use frequently and would like easier access to it, you can pin it to the Start screen.
You can select from Modern UI apps or from programs that run on the desktop.
PIN A TILE TO THE START SCREEN
SHOW THE DESKTOP
In Windows 8, the tiled Start screen is the first screen that appears, but the Windows desktop is available as its own application.
From the desktop, you work in non-Modern UI applications such as WordPad, Paint, and Calculator.
SHOW THE DESKTOP
DISPLAY CHARMS
The Charm bar is a specific set of icons and commands available to every app.
The Charm bar has five charms: Search, Share, Start, Devices, and Settings.
Charms provide quick access to key areas of Windows 8.
DISPLAY CHARMS
Using the Search charm is the same as just typing in an application or filename. However, the Search charm is context sensitive, so it will perform a search of whichever Modern UI app you’re currently using.
For example, you can search the Maps app to find the closest Target store.
SHARE CHARM
While viewing various Modern UI apps, you can share the current content with others via the People or Mail apps.
In this example, a business location found using the Maps can be shared.
DEVICES CHARM
Here you’ll find a list of all connected devices, such as a printer, a scanner, a second screen, or a projector.
Selecting one of the devices presents you with a different sidebar menu containing relevant options and actions for that device.
SETTINGS CHARM
Use the Settings charm to adjust your app preferences.
The Settings charm is context sensitive, which means it will present the settings of whichever Modern UI app you’re currently using. Some settings such as volume and brightness are static no matter which app you’re in. You’ll also always find a link to Change PC settings to get to the main Modern UI settings.
Here you see the settings for the Travel app.
GET MODERN UI APPS
Hundreds of additional apps are available. Some are free, and some are for purchase.
Apps fall into many categories, such as Shopping, Lifestyle, Entertainment, and Games.
Installing an app usually takes just a few seconds.
GET MODERN UI APPS
Can I install an app without a Windows Live ID?
No. To install an app, you must use your Windows Live ID.
If you are not signed into Windows 8 with a Live ID, you can either sign out of the local account and sign in with a Live ID account before you enter the Store, or you can enter your Live ID information before you install the app.
To sign out of your local account, use the Charm bar. Click the Settings charm, click Change PC Settings, click Users, and then click Sign In with a Microsoft Account. Follow the onscreen instructions.
How do I install a non-Modern UI app?
You install a non-Modern UI app from the desktop. Either download the program you want to install, or, if it’s on a CD or DVD, insert the disc into the disc drive. Most programs launch an AutoPlay or a Setup screen, from which you can choose the options you want for the program you are installing.
As you try new apps, use the Store to rate the app. Let others know what you think of the app.
UNINSTALL MODERN UI APPS
If you decide you no longer want an app, you can uninstall it with only a couple of simple mouse clicks.
You can even uninstall the core applications discussed in this chapter and reinstall them later from the Store.
UNINSTALL MODERN UI APPS
