So you may have heard that Microsoft recently released
the much anticipated Windows 8 operating system. It sure doesn’t look like
those previous operating systems of Windows that you have seen. Don’t despair
since Windows 8 was made with the future in mind as it works well with
touchscreens and you will be seeing more touchscreen personal computers over
the next few months.
One of the first things you will notice is that there is
no start tab. You’re wondering how to turn the computer off. Going to either
the upper or lower right hand corner will bring up a bar known as the charms
bar. The bottom icon there that looks like a cog a bicycle chain goes around is
the Settings icon. Either click on it or if you have a touchscreen tap it and
you will see the Power icon at the bottom. Select that and select “Sleep”
“Restart” or “Shut Down” You no longer are wondering how to shut your computer
off.
You also by now have probably noticed that the screen instead
of showing the familiar icons on your desktop show tiles. Each of these tiles
represents an app (Programs are now referred to as apps like the apps on your
smartphone and your friend’s Mac programs which are also referred to as apps).
Some of these apps show information. The weather tile shows the weather for the
location noted. You can put a calculator app to do arithmetic operations. One
great thing about this new screen is if you are looking for a file, setting, or
app just start typing the name of it. Once you start the search screen will
show. You can see where your search query for apps, settings, files. Also
expect to see more Windows 8 phones out there in the next few months. Don’t
despair about not seeing a desktop. There is a desktop tile. By tapping it if
you have a touchscreen or moving your mouse to it and left clicking, the old
traditional desktop (without the start tab) will show.
One disadvantage of the new Windows 8 is when you go to
delete a file there is no longer a confirmation asking if you wish to do
so. No last chance to change your mind.
However all is not lost. By going to the recycle bin and right-clicking on it,
choose Properties, and check the "Display Delete Confirmation Dialog"
box. You now will have that last chance to make sure that you truly want to
delete that file. Another disadvantage
is a longer learning curve going to a new operating system. The advantages
however outweigh the disadvantages.
So should you upgrade to Windows 8? Windows 8 Pro is
available for $39.99 but that is only until January 31, 2013. Unless you are
upgrading from Windows 7 you will need to reinstall your apps. I upgraded due
to business considerations since I will be setting up new computers that use
Windows 8 and training people to use it. There is the learning curve I
mentioned earlier and you need to get used to not having a start tab. File
Explorer (formerly Windows Explorer), is a lot more user friendly, security is improved
and boot time is faster making it a possible investment if you are still using
Windows Vista or Windows XP. That said, given the age of your computer if you
are using XP or Vista, replacing your computer may be a more feasible option. If
you have XP or Vista currently, while Windows 8 requires a minimum of a 1GHz
processor I would recommend a minimum of 2 GHz. Other than the tiled apps,
there is not a real big change between Windows 7 and Windows 8.
If you have
additional questions about Windows 8, I can be reached at (917) 572-3468 or
email me at mike@computerconciergeny.com
My Facebook page provides information on the current
goings on in the technology field. There are tips to better use your
technology. For timely information, please visit and "Like" my page.
Computer Concierge NY LLC provides expert computer and technology services in the Queens, NY area. This includes Albertson, Bayside, Bayside Hills, Bay Terrace, Bellerose, College Point, Douglaston, Floral Park, Flushing, Forest Hills, Great Neck, Jamaica Estates, Kew Gardens, Kings Point, Lake Success, Manhasset, Mineola, Munsey Park, New Hyde Park, North Hills, North Shore Towers, Oakland Gardens, Plandome, Rego Park, Roslyn, The Bay Club, Thomaston, University Gardens, Williston Park, Whitestone and Other Areas in the Bayside, NY vicinity. Our web services are provided worldwide.
