Beginning Windows 8

Beginning Windows 8

by Mike Halsey
Released November 2012
Publisher(s): Apress
ISBN: 9781430244318

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Book description

Windows 8 has been described by Microsoft as its 'boldest' Windows release ever. Beginning Windows 8 takes you through the new features and helps you get more out of the familiar to reveal the possibilities for this amazing new operating system.

You will learn, with non-technical language used throughout, how to get up and running in the new Windows interface, minimize downtime, maximize productivity, and harness the features you never knew existed to take control of your computer and enjoy the peace of mind and excitement that comes with it.

From tips and tweaks to easy-to-follow guides and detailed descriptions, this book takes you inside Windows 8 to discover the true power and flexibility that lies within, and guides you at your own pace through getting the very best from it.

What you'll learn

  • About the ins and outs of the Windows 8 interface and its new features

  • How to install and configure Windows 8 to give trouble-free performance

  • How to personalize your Windows experience

  • How to use your computer to connect to devices and services in the home, at work, and on the move

  • How to maximize your productivity with Windows 8

  • How to secure and configure Windows 8 to guarantee a safe and secure experience

    • Who this book is for

    Beginning Windows 8 is for people new to Windows or who just want to get up to speed with Windows 8. This book also can help people who already know how to perform routine tasks learn how to get more out of Windows, their computer and their time. Whether you want to get up and running with Windows 8, or want to go to the next level and learn useful ways to minimize problems, maximize performance, and optimize your overall Windows expereince, this book is for you.

    Table of contents

    1. Title Page
    2. Dedication
    3. Contents at a Glance
    4. Contents
    5. About the Author
    6. About the Technical Reviewers
    7. Acknowledgments
    8. Introduction
    9. CHAPTER 1: Introducing Windows 8
      1. What Is Windows 8?
      2. What’s New in Windows 8
      3. Configuring the Windows 8 Lock Screen
      4. Mastering Touch in Windows 8
      5. Using the Onscreen Keyboard in Windows 8
      6. Privacy and Security for Personal and Business Data
      7. Summary
    10. CHAPTER 2: Finding Your Way Around Windows 8
      1. Using the Start Screen
      2. Controlling Apps and Live Tiles
      3. Using the Charms
      4. Configuration Options in PC Settings
      5. Using the Desktop in Windows 8
      6. The Preinstalled Windows 8 Apps
      7. The Preinstalled Desktop Programs
      8. Installing and Uninstalling Apps and Programs
      9. Summary
    11. CHAPTER 3: Connecting
      1. Getting Online with Windows 8
      2. Managing Network Connections
      3. Using Internet Explorer 10
      4. Staying Safe Online
      5. Summary
    12. CHAPTER 4: Sharing with Family and Friends
      1. Working with User Accounts
      2. Sharing Files and Folders with HomeGroup
      3. Sharing Files and Folders on a Network
      4. Sharing Files with Windows 8 Tablets, Ultrabooks, and Laptops
      5. Using Microsoft SkyDrive to Share
      6. Sharing Files and Documents
      7. Sharing Optical Drives
      8. Streaming Music and Video to Devices and Computers
      9. Changing Advanced Sharing Settings in Windows 8
      10. Connecting to Network Shared Storage
      11. Summary
    13. CHAPTER 5: Organizing and Searching Your Computer
      1. Using File Explorer
      2. Managing Files and Folders from Apps
      3. Using Libraries in Windows 8
      4. Using Search in Windows 8
      5. Expanding Libraries with Saved Searches in Windows 8
      6. Tagging Files in Microsoft Office
      7. Managing the Search and File Index in Windows 8
      8. Searching Network Locations in Windows 8
      9. Searching the Internet from the Start Screen
      10. Using Advanced Search Syntax in Internet Explorer
      11. Summary
    14. CHAPTER 6: Printing and Managing Printers
      1. Installing Printers in Windows 8
      2. Setting Default Printers for Different Places
      3. Managing Printers in Windows 8
      4. Managing Color Profiles for Printers and Displays
      5. Managing Shared Printers in Windows 8
      6. Managing Printing in Windows 8
      7. Working with Wireless Printers in Windows 8
      8. Obtaining the IP Address of a Network Printer
      9. Top Printing Tips
      10. Summary
    15. CHAPTER 7: Having Fun with Games, Photos, Music, and Video
      1. Managing Games in Windows 8
      2. Viewing and Editing Photos in Windows 8
      3. Playing and Enjoying Music and Video in Windows 8
      4. Windows Media Center
      5. Summary
    16. CHAPTER 8: Maximizing Your Productivity
      1. Managing and Arranging Running Apps
      2. Working with Multiple Programs on the Desktop
      3. Using Microsoft SkyDrive with Windows 8
      4. The Windows Mobility Center
      5. Working with Multiple Screens and Desktops in Windows 8
      6. Summary
    17. CHAPTER 9: Personalizing Your Windows Experience
      1. Personalizing Windows 8
      2. Personalizing the Windows 8 Desktop
      3. Changing the Default File Explorer View
      4. Changing and Customizing Your Region Settings
      5. Working with Multiple Languages in Windows 8
      6. Personalizing the Power Management Options
      7. Summary
    18. CHAPTER 10: Making Windows 8 More Accessible and Easier to Use
      1. Making Windows 8 Easier to Use
      2. The Ease of Access Center
      3. Making Text and Windows Easier to Read
      4. Using the Narrator to Read Text Aloud
      5. Making Your Keyboard and Mouse Easier to Use
      6. Using Text or Visual Alternatives for Sounds
      7. Making It Easier to Focus on Tasks
      8. Finding Accessible Apps in Windows 8
      9. Where to Find Accessibility Help and Support
      10. Summary
    19. CHAPTER 11: Keeping Yourself, Your Files, and Your Computer Safe
      1. How Secure Is Windows 8 Really?
      2. Maintaining Security When Using Windows 8 with Other Windows Versions
      3. Maintaining Security When Using Windows 8 with Non-Windows Operating Systems
      4. Windows Defender
      5. Finding and Installing Third-Party Antivirus Software
      6. Using the Windows Firewall
      7. User Account Control
      8. Encrypting Files, Folders, and Drives
      9. Using Biometric Devices with Windows 8
      10. Summary
    20. CHAPTER 12: Maintaining and Backing Up Your Computer and Files
      1. Maintaining a Healthy Computer
      2. Protecting and Repairing Windows
      3. Backing Up Files and Folders
      4. Summary
    21. CHAPTER 13: Advanced Configuration and Customization
      1. The Control Panel
      2. Configuring the Windows 8 Advanced System Settings
      3. Using and Configuring Storage Spaces
      4. Working with Hardware Devices
      5. Windows 8 Administrative Tools
      6. Further Customizing Windows 8
      7. Summary
    22. CHAPTER 14: Getting Started with Virtualization
      1. What Is Virtualization?
      2. When Would You Use a Virtual Machine?
      3. Why You Should “Sandbox” Windows XP
      4. Installing an Operating System in Hyper-V
      5. Setting Up Networking with Hyper-V
      6. Using Virtual Hard Disks
      7. Summary
    23. CHAPTER 15: Installing Windows 8 on Your Computer
      1. Back Up Your Files and Documents First!
      2. Windows 8 Edition Differences
      3. Deciding How to Install Windows 8 on an Existing Computer
      4. Acquiring Windows 8
      5. Preparing to Install Windows 8
      6. Upgrading to Windows 8
      7. Performing a Clean Install
      8. Transferring Files and Documents from an Old Computer
      9. Summary
    24. APPENDIX A: Windows 8 Touch Gestures
      1. Narrator Touch Gestures
    25. APPENDIX B: Windows 8 Shortcut Keys
    26. APPENDIX C: Advanced Query Syntax for Search
      1. Data Store Location
      2. Common File Kinds
      3. Properties by File Kind
      4. Filter by Size
      5. Boolean Operators
      6. Boolean Properties
      7. Dates
      8. Attachments
      9. Contacts
      10. Communications
      11. Calendar
      12. Documents
      13. Presentations
      14. Music
      15. Pictures
      16. Video
    27. APPENDIX D: Upgrading Your Computer
      1. Choosing a New Windows 8 Computer
      2. Windows 8 and OEM Installation Discs
      3. Adding More Memory to a PC or Laptop
      4. Changing or Adding a Hard Disk
      5. Changing or Adding a Graphics Card
      6. Changing the Power Supply in Your PC
      7. Safely Working with Your PC, Laptop, or Tablet
      8. Upgrading Windows 8
      9. Summary
    28. Index

    Product information

    • Title: Beginning Windows 8
    • Author(s): Mike Halsey
    • Release date: November 2012
    • Publisher(s): Apress
    • ISBN: 9781430244318