Just installed Windows8, Any tips?

[Legend932]

<p>Hello LinusTechTips! best forum in teh interwebz!,</p>

<p> </p>

<p>So I just installed Windows8 you already know that if you read the title, and I'm just wondering if there's anything I should know, software I should install, settings I should look for and edit? in short: you got any tips for me? <img class="bbc_emoticon" src="http://linustechtips.com/main/public/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.png" title=":D" /> I already used Ninite.</p>

<p> </p>

<p> ---EDIT---</p>

<p> </p>

<p>I've been enjoying my experience with Win8 so far.</p>

<p>Thank you to everyone who contributed to this thread, I really don't know what I would've done without you :D</p>

[MrPete1985]

Buy a copy of startisback, you can get a 5 PC license for $5 and I think a 2 PC license for $3

[Owen]

Window Explorer -> C drive -> Windows -> right click System32 -> delete

Nah don't do that, I'm just messing with you. I have Windows 8 as well and love it. Make sure you setup Windows Defender and download Chrome. Actually download any other Internet browser other than Internet Explorer.

*To anyone else that may be reading this, don't do what I posted at the top line, that was a joke.*

[SteepGnomeKing]

Buy a copy of startisback, you can get a 5 PC license for $5 and I think a 2 PC license for $3

 

This and than your done. Windows 8 speed and benefits with a traditional windows feel. I got it and works perfectly. Disable password at login if you want and you can boot straight to the desktop and avoid "metro" all together.

[Legend932]

Buy a copy of startisback, you can get a 5 PC license for $5 and I think a 2 PC license for $3

Thanks! will do as soon as I get my next paycheck, (currently broke DX)

 

Window Explorer -> C drive -> Windows -> right click System32 -> delete

Nah don't do that, I'm just messing with you. I have Windows 8 as well and love it. Make sure you setup Windows Defender and download Chrome. Actually download any other Internet browser other than Internet Explorer.

*To anyone else that may be reading this, don't do what I posted at the top line, that was a joke.*

Haha, almost got me there o.O I was following along, opened Windows Explorer then was like wait whoa xD

Already Installed Firefox :D

Thanks for your tip!

 

This and than your done. Windows 8 speed and benefits with a traditional windows feel. I got it and works perfectly. Disable password at login if you want and you can boot straight to the desktop and avoid "metro" all together.

Yeah, the modern UI is horrible to navigate with the mouse.

[Owen]

Thanks! will do as soon as I get my next paycheck, (currently broke DX)

 

Haha, almost got me there o.O I was following along, opened Windows Explorer then was like wait whoa xD

Already Installed Firefox :D

Thanks for your tip!

 

Yeah, the modern UI is horrible to navigate with the mouse.

Aha, that's funny. Hold up on buying the start menu thing, because a) there is a free program that does the exact same thing (I forget what it's called I'll look for it) and b] Windows 8.1 will be bringing the start menu back, and that upgrade is free to Windows 8 users

[SteepGnomeKing]

Thanks! will do as soon as I get my next paycheck, (currently broke DX)

 

Haha, almost got me there o.O I was following along, opened Windows Explorer then was like wait whoa xD

Already Installed Firefox :D

Thanks for your tip!

 

Yeah, the modern UI is horrible to navigate with the mouse.

 

Horrible! Huge blocky icons that can't be made smaller, so much wasted space around the sides and top, and as a pretty tech savy person I didn't know how to shut down (besides alt-f4) the computer for a good 4 days after getting windows 8. So many clicks to do something so basic. You know you have a bad OS when OEM's are including instructions on how to shut down your computer.

 

But yea windows 8.1 should bring back the start button so maybe wait for that before.

[Legend932]

Aha, that's funny. Hold up on buying the start menu thing, because a) there is a free program that does the exact same thing (I forget what it's called I'll look for it) and B) Windows 8.1 will be bringing the start menu back, and that upgrade is free to Windows 8 users

Alright thanks :D, By the way, do you guys think a touchscreen would improve the WIN8 user experiance? and how much do these thing usually cost, and at what sizes?

[Legend932]

Horrible! Huge blocky icons that can't be made smaller, so much wasted space around the sides and top, and as a pretty tech savy person I didn't know how to shut down (besides alt-f4) the computer for a good 4 days after getting windows 8. So many clicks to do something so basic. You know you have a bad OS when OEM's are including instructions on how to shut down your computer.

 

But yea windows 8.1 should bring back the start button so maybe wait for that before.

I know, right! it's beyond awful! >:/

[SteepGnomeKing]

Alright thanks :D, By the way, do you guys think a touchscreen would improve the WIN8 user experiance? and how much do these thing usually cost, and at what sizes?

 Not unless you are on a laptop. If you have the start button no need to look at the metro ui I haven't in months. Laptop on the other hand if i go on the couch or to the kitchen the touch pad is to slow and touch would help a lot.

[Legend932]

 Not unless you are on a laptop. If you have the start button no need to look at the metro ui I haven't in months. Laptop on the other hand if i go on the couch or to the kitchen the touch pad is to slow and touch would help a lot.

Ah, I see.

[Legend932]

Well, thank you for your contribution, this is my first topic ever and it's so overwhelming to see such a positive response! Truely the best forum on teh interwehbz!

 

So... What do I do now? xD I'm new to this whole forum thing.

[SteepGnomeKing]

Umm.. Not to sure really... maybe just email microsoft and tell them they fail at making operating systems. Like they haven't heard that enough times.

[Legend932]

Umm.. Not to sure really... maybe just email microsoft and tell them they fail at making operating systems. Like they haven't heard that enough times.

Haha! xD YOUR UI SUX MAHCROSOFT! GTFO

[GoodBytes]

You have installed Windows 8, now you need to pass through the learning curve, but I'll make it easier for you.

 

Start Screen

 

 

The start screen is nothing more than the Start Menu, just expended to full screen, and more powerful and flexible.

You can pin virtually anything you want from programs, and folders.

The way tit was designed is for your to organize the layout from the most used item at the bottom left corner of the screen, to the rare used one, at the top right corner of the screen where you need to scroll.

Now, the really most used programs, you pin those on the task bar. So basically you don't use much the Start Screen.

 

For more information, check out the design principal behind the Start Screen: http://blogs.msdn.com/b/b8/archive/2011/10/11/reflecting-on-your-comments-on-the-start-screen.aspx

 

Here is my Start Screen for inspiration (old screen shot, but the idea is there(:

 

What I like about it, is that is give me direct and quick access to my folders I use the most, have my widgets that I enjoyed in Win7 and Vista, and have direct access to my games. No need to Start Steam/UPlay/Origin, then go on Library, then click on my game, then in some cases need to click on play, then it will ask me, in some cases if I want the option panel or actually play the game. And, let's not forget Steam/Origin/UPlay that needs to be updated before you can play... Here I click on my game, and my game starts. Nice and easy.

 

And yes, you can search.. just type, and it will search, much like Windows 7.

 

 

 

Power Menu

 

 

Get quick access to your Windows utilities panels, like Event Viewer, Task Manager, System, Power, etc.

To access it, just do Win+X on your keyboard, or, right-click on the Start Button.

 

 

 

Default Programs

 

 

As Windows 8 doesn't know if you are on a tablet or not, or touch screen or not. It set by default all your files to use Modern UI apps. To get it back to use desktop applications, simply: open the Default Program panel (Start > type: default > select: Default Program), click on set your default program. Now click your program you want, and click on Set this program as default. Voila.

 

Of course, that is assuming you want Windows programs to use these file formats. such as avi, wmv, mp3, etc to be opened with Media Player.  If you install a new program, then it will be like previous version of Windows, where it will associate with the program itself, and you have nothing to do.

 

 

 

Free Music

 

 

As you have Windows 8. You can access free unlimited music streaming, out of the second largest music library: 30 million songs and growing each week. in the XBox Music App. Simply open Music app on the Start Screen, login with a Microsoft account (hotmail, outlook, live, msdn, etc.), and your done. Just click on All Music and enjoy! Although, I am not sure its availible in Saudi Arabia.

 

 

 

Modern UI Apps

 

 

You can  get modern UI apps from the Store. It's the only place you get them.  One program I particular like is News Bento. It's an RSS reader. Check it out, it's free,

That aside, to close a Modern UI app, you simply need to move the mouse at the top center, about, of the screen, and drag it down. OR you can do Alt+F4 on your keyboard.

You can drag the metro app, to the left or right of the screen, to have it snap in a portion of your screen.

 

 

 

Shutdown/Sleep the system

 

 

This has been improved in Windows 8.1. So don't particularly worry too much about it. This is something, I admit is not particularly great about WIn8... but nothing is perfect at version 1... and again.. it's been improved possibly fixed in Windows 8.1

 

They are many ways for you to do this. You can hit the Win+I keyboard combination anywhere., and you have access to the power button. You can move your mouse at the bottom right corner of the screen, or top right corner of the screen, and move to the center, and click on the Settings  button that will appear.

 

Or, you can do Alt+F4 on the desktop, or simply hit the power button on your case, and that will do shutdown/sleep Windows (default is sleep, if I am not mistaken).

 

 

 

That is all you need to know, in order to get started with Windows 8. Have an open mind, and ready to learn something new. If you have this mentality, you'll learn WIn8 quickly, and like the great majority of people that have done it, actually enjoys and love Win8, and would not change back to Win7, as it's much better,

 

It usually takes people a 2 weeks to a month, including myself to pass the learning curve.

No you don't need a touch screen.

[MdX MaxX]

Just to clear this up, Windows 8.1 is bringing back the Start Button, not the classic Start Menu, so StartIsBack/Start8 is still a good buy if you want a classic start menu.

[MdX MaxX]

Okey, now that the trolls have passed, lets be constructive.

I see no reason to dismiss the other users' suggestions.  Some of us don't like the Modern UI Start Menu as much as you do.  That doesn't mean we're trolls.

 

(Apologies for the double post, copying and pasting quoted content doesn't seem to be feasible here...)

[Legend932]

Okey, now that the trolls have passed, lets be constructive.

 

You have installed Windows 8, now you need to pass through the learning curve, but I'll make it easier for you.

 

Start Screen

 

 

The start screen is nothing more than the Start Menu, just expended to full screen, and more powerful and flexible.

You can pin virtually anything you want from programs, and folders.

The way tit was designed is for your to organize the layout from the most used item at the bottom left corner of the screen, to the rare used one, at the top right corner of the screen where you need to scroll.

Now, the really most used programs, you pin those on the task bar. So basically you don't use much the Start Screen.

 

For more information, check out the design principal behind the Start Screen: http://blogs.msdn.com/b/b8/archive/2011/10/11/reflecting-on-your-comments-on-the-start-screen.aspx

 

Here is my Start Screen for inspiration (old screen shot, but the idea is there(:

 

What I like about it, is that is give me direct and quick access to my folders I use the most, have my widgets that I enjoyed in Win7 and Vista, and have direct access to my games. No need to Start Steam/UPlay/Origin, then go on Library, then click on my game, then in some cases need to click on play, then it will ask me, in some cases if I want the option panel or actually play the game. And, let's not forget Steam/Origin/UPlay that needs to be updated before you can play... Here I click on my game, and my game starts. Nice and easy.

 

And yes, you can search.. just type, and it will search, much like Windows 7.

 

 

 

Power Menu

 

 

Get quick access to your Windows utilities panels, like Event Viewer, Task Manager, System, Power, etc.

To access it, just do Win+X on your keyboard, or, right-click on the Start Button.

 

 

 

Default Programs

 

 

As Windows 8 doesn't know if you are on a tablet or not, or touch screen or not. It set by default all your files to use Modern UI apps. To get it back to use desktop applications, simply: open the Default Program panel (Start > type: default > select: Default Program), click on set your default program. Now click your program you want, and click on Set this program as default. Voila.

 

Of course, that is assuming you want Windows programs to use these file formats. such as avi, wmv, mp3, etc to be opened with Media Player.  If you install a new program, then it will be like previous version of Windows, where it will associate with the program itself, and you have nothing to do.

 

 

 

Free Music

 

 

As you have Windows 8. You can access free unlimited music streaming, out of the second largest music library: 30 million songs and growing each week. in the XBox Music App. Simply open Music app on the Start Screen, login with a Microsoft account (hotmail, outlook, live, msdn, etc.), and your done. Just click on All Music and enjoy! Although, I am not sure its availible in Saudi Arabia.

 

 

 

Modern UI Apps

 

 

You can  get modern UI apps from the Store. It's the only place you get them.  One program I particular like is News Bento. It's an RSS reader. Check it out, it's free,

That aside, to close a Modern UI app, you simply need to move the mouse at the top center, about, of the screen, and drag it down. OR you can do Alt+F4 on your keyboard.

You can drag the metro app, to the left or right of the screen, to have it snap in a portion of your screen.

 

 

 

Shutdown/Sleep the system

 

 

This has been improved in Windows 8.1. So don't particularly worry too much about it. This is something, I admit is not particularly great about WIn8... but nothing is perfect at version 1... and again.. it's been improved possibly fixed in Windows 8.1

 

They are many ways for you to do this. You can hit the Win+I keyboard combination anywhere., and you have access to the power button. You can move your mouse at the bottom right corner of the screen, or top right corner of the screen, and move to the center, and click on the Settings  button that will appear.

 

Or, you can do Alt+F4 on the desktop, or simply hit the power button on your case, and that will do shutdown/sleep Windows (default is sleep, if I am not mistaken).

 

 

 

That is all you need to know, in order to get started with Windows 8. Have an open mind, and ready to learn something new. If you have this mentality, you'll learn WIn8 quickly, and like the great majority of people that have done it, actually enjoys and love Win8, and would not change back to Win7, as it's much better,

 

It usually takes people a 2 weeks to a month, including myself to pass the learning curve.

No you don't need a touch screen.

Wow! Thank you so much! I just checked the music app, it does work, worry not :D, this forum is looking better and better ;)

Now I'm looking forward to using Win8 even more! :D

[Legend932]

Just to clear this up, Windows 8.1 is bringing back the Start Button, not the classic Start Menu, so StartIsBack/Start8 is still a good buy if you want a classic start menu.

Ah, I see, thanks for the clarification.

[Legend932]

I see no reason to dismiss the other users' suggestions.  Some of us don't like the Modern UI Start Menu as much as you do.  That doesn't mean we're trolls.

 

(Apologies for the double post, copying and pasting quoted content doesn't seem to be feasible here...)

Agreed.

[SteepGnomeKing]

Okey, now that the trolls have passed, lets be constructive.

 

 

 

Thanks for being such a consecutive person on the forum. I don't see anyone trolling here. I gave my opinions on it and have some pointers for what works best for me. Next time I disagree with you for whatever reason I'll know that you were just being a troll. Thanks for the tip!  :)

[Legend932]

Whoa! 2 pages man my topic is blowing up O.o. THIS FORUM IS SO AWESOME :D

[Legend932]

Thanks for being such a consecutive person on the forum. I don't see anyone trolling here. I gave my opinions on it and have some pointers for what works best for me. Next time I disagree with you for whatever reason I'll know that you were just being a troll. Thanks for the tip!  :)

He has a point.

[GoodBytes]

Yes, I apologies for what I said. A very poor choice of words of my part.

I was not thinking and being I have to admit I was a jerk to you guys.

I am honestly sorry.

[notenoughtv]

If you don't have the money right now to buy startisback you can go and download the 30 day trial and buy it when you can