Windows 8.1 Bible

Chapter 2: Navigating the Windows 8.1 Interface

IN THIS CHAPTER

Introducing the Windows 8.1 interface

Using the Start screen

Using the Charms Bar

Using the taskbar

Working with Windows 8 apps

Getting to the desktop

If you've been using previous versions of Windows for a while, you're no doubt familiar with the Windows desktop and how to work with Windows and Windows applications. Even so, you might find the Windows 8.1 interface very different. Gestures such as swipe, tap, tap and hold, slide, and so on might be foreign concepts. Fortunately, Windows 8.1 uses many of the same general gestures and actions you'll find on other touch-based devices. So, the Windows 8.1 interface should feel familiar to you.

If you don't have much experience with touch interfaces, this chapter will get you up to speed. You'll learn to navigate through the Windows 8.1 interface, use Windows 8 apps, and even get to that familiar Windows desktop! Armed with some basic concepts, you'll be navigating the Windows 8.1 interface like a pro in no time.

If you've been using Windows 8 for a while and are new to Windows 8.1, this chapter will also help you understand the changes that Microsoft introduced in Windows 8.1 to address some user angst over the Start menu (or lack thereof) and make the interface even easier to use.

Introducing the Windows 8 Interface

The new interface introduced in Windows 8 and fine-tuned in Windows 8.1 represents a shift toward touch-based interaction with the operating system and ...