Windows 8 Bible

Using the Charms Bar

The Charms Bar, shown in Figure 2.6, gives you access to Devices, Settings, Search, sharing options, and the Start screen. To display the Charms Bar, swipe in from the right edge of the screen. Or, place the mouse at the bottom right or top right of the screen. When the Charms Bar appears, click on the charm you want to use. To close the Charms Bar, simply tap or click on any other area of the screen.

Tip

You can press Windows+C to open the Charms Bar.

FIGURE 2.6 Access Settings and Devices with the Charms Bar.

Clicking Settings at the bottom of the Charms Bar opens a menu similar to the one shown in Figure 2.7. The top portion of the menu is in the context of the current app. For example, if you tap or click Devices with the Start screen displayed, you’ll see menu items that pertain to the Start screen. If you have Internet Explorer open, you’ll see settings for Internet Explorer. The menu behaves similarly for other apps, showing settings for that app.

FIGURE 2.7 The Settings menu

The bottom portion of the menu provides system-wide options, including the current network connection status, sound and brightness indicators, a Notifications icon that lets you turn on or off notifications, a Power icon for turning off or suspending the device, and a ...