Title Page
Copyright Page
Contents at a Glance
Table of Contents
About the Author
About the Technical Reviewers
Acknowledgments
Introduction
CHAPTER 1 Introducing Windows 8
What Is Windows 8?
How Windows 8 Differs from Windows 7 and Windows Vista
How Window 8 Differs from Windows XP
32-bit (x86) and 64-bit (x64) Explained
Whatβs New in Windows 8
The Start Screen
Refresh and Reset
Windows To Go
Hyper-V
Storage Spaces
Secure Boot
What Else Is New?
Configuring the Windows 8 Lock Screen
Using a Pin or Picture Password on the Lock Screen
Changing Your Login Method
Mastering Touch in Windows 8
Using the Onscreen Keyboard in Windows 8
Privacy and Security for Personal and Business Data
Summary
CHAPTER 2 Finding Your Way Around Windows 8
Using the Start Screen
Locking the Computer and Signing Out
Controlling the Windows 8 Start Screen
Controlling Apps and Live Tiles
Performing Functions on Apps and Live Tiles
Arranging Live Tiles into Groups
Hiding and Adding Apps and Tiles
Using the Charms
Configuration Options in PC Settings
Using the Desktop in Windows 8
The Windows Administration Menu
Using the Desktop Taskbar
Using the Date and Time Dialog Box
Using Taskbar Jump Lists
Managing Windows on the Desktop
The Preinstalled Windows 8 Apps
The Preinstalled Desktop Programs
Installing and Uninstalling Apps and Programs
Summary
CHAPTER 3 Connecting
Getting Online with Windows 8
Understanding Public and Private Networks
Home Networks
Work Networks
Public Networks
Connecting to Networks in Windows 8
Managing Mobile Broadband
Connecting to Hidden Networks and VPNs in Windows 8
Managing Network Connections
Network Management Best Practice
Securing Wi-Fi Networks
Managing Mobile Broadband Data Usage
Using Internet Explorer 10
Using the Internet Explorer 10 App
Using Favorites in Internet Explorer
Using Internet Explorer 10 on the Desktop
Managing Browser Tabs in IE10 on the Desktop
Internet Explorer 10 Safety Features
Using the SmartScreen Filter to Block Malicious Web Sites
Managing Add-ons and Toolbars in IE10
Internet Explorer 10 Options and Configuration
Managing Safety and Privacy in Internet Explorer 10
Staying Safe Online
Internet Threats Explained
Identifying Safe and Unsafe Web Sites in IE10
Identifying Unsafe Downloads in IE10
Summary
CHAPTER 4 Sharing with Family and Friends
Working with User Accounts
Setting Up Users
Managing User Accounts
Using Family Safety
Sharing Files and Folders with HomeGroup
Sharing Files and Folders on a Network
Sharing with Individuals
Sharing with Groups of People
Sharing with Non-Windows Computers
Sharing Files with Windows 8 Tablets, Ultrabooks, and Laptops
Using Microsoft SkyDrive to Share
Sharing Files and Documents
Sharing Optical Drives
Streaming Music and Video to Devices and Computers
Changing Advanced Sharing Settings in Windows 8
Connecting to Network Shared Storage
Why You Might Not See Network Storage on Your Computer
Viewing the Status of Network Drives
Summary
CHAPTER 5 Organizing and Searching Your Computer
Using File Explorer
The Quick Access Toolbar
The Address Bar
The Navigation Pane
The Status Bar
The Main Explorer View
Hiding Picture File Names
The File Explorer Ribbon
The File Tab
The Computer Tab
The Home Tab
The Share Tab
The View Tab and Customizing File Explorer
Copying and Moving Files in File Explorer
Managing Files and Folders from Apps
Using Libraries in Windows 8
Using Tags and Ratings to Organize Files
Simplify Adding Tags and Ratings with Windows Live Photo Gallery
Creating a Library
Changing the Way a Library Displays Files
Adding and Removing Folders to Libraries
Changing the Default Save Location
Adding Network Locations to Libraries
Managing Folder Options
Using Search in Windows 8
Searching from the Start Screen
Filtering File Searches in Apps
Searching for Content Inside Apps
Searching in File Explorer
Expanding Libraries with Saved Searches in Windows 8
Harnessing the Full Power of Saved Searches
Saving and Sharing Your Saved Searches
Tagging Files in Microsoft Office
Managing the Search and File Index in Windows 8
Adding Folders to the Index
Changing the Advanced Indexing Options
Searching Network Locations in Windows 8
Searching the Internet from the Start Screen
Using Advanced Search Syntax in Internet Explorer
Summary
CHAPTER 6 Printing and Managing Printers
Installing Printers in Windows 8
Setting Default Printers for Different Places
Managing Printers in Windows 8
Managing Color Profiles for Printers and Displays
Managing Shared Printers in Windows 8
Managing Printing in Windows 8
Working with Wireless Printers in Windows 8
Obtaining the IP Address of a Network Printer
Top Printing Tips
Summary
CHAPTER 7 Having Fun with Games, Photos, Music, and Video
Managing Games in Windows 8
Xbox Games
Xbox SmartGlass
Managing Game Ratings for Children
Where Are the Traditional Desktop Games?
Configuring Windows 8 for the Latest Games
Choosing and Upgrading Your Gaming Hardware
Motherboard
Processor
Memory
Hard Disk
Graphics Card
Working with Gaming Peripherals
The Why of WEI
3D Gaming on Windows 8
Viewing and Editing Photos in Windows 8
The Photo App
Windows Photo Gallery
Other Third-Party Photo Editing Packages
Adobe Photoshop Elements
Adobe Photoshop Express
Pixlr
Importing Digital Photographs and Videos from a Camera
Playing and Enjoying Music and Video in Windows 8
Creating and Managing Playlists in the Music and Video Apps
Audio and Video Codecs in Windows 8
Windows Media Center
Organizing Your Media Libraries in Media Center
Setting Up, Watching, and Recording Live TV
Managing Windows Media Center
Using Xbox 360 to Access TV, Music, Video, and Pictures from Windows 8
Converting Recorded TV to DVR-MS Format
Summary
CHAPTER 8 Maximizing Your Productivity
Managing and Arranging Running Apps
Switching Between Running Apps
Snapping Two Apps Side by Side
Working with Multiple Programs on the Desktop
Minimizing and Restoring All Windows on the Desktop (a.k.a. Boss Mode)
Minimizing and Restoring Windows Using Shake
Snapping Two Windows Side by Side
Peeking at and Closing Windows from Thumbnails
Pinning Programs to the Desktop Taskbar
Maximizing Productivity with Jump Lists
Using Microsoft SkyDrive with Windows 8
The Windows Mobility Center
Managing Battery Life on Laptops, Ultrabooks, and Tablets
Maintaining Productivity Without Electricity/Internet Access
Sharing a Mobile Broadband Connection
Working with Secondary Displays
Using ActiveSync to Synchronize Files with Other Computers and Devices
Working with Multiple Screens and Desktops in Windows 8
Managing Multiple Displays in Windows 8
Using Multi-Monitor Wallpapers in Windows 8
Summary
CHAPTER 9 Personalizing Your Windows Experience
Personalizing Windows 8
Personalizing the Lock Screen
Personalizing the Start Screen
The Switcher
The Intensive Desktop User
The Light Desktop User
The Work/Life Balance User
The Widget Dashboard
Displaying Administrative Tools on the Start Screen
Personalizing the Windows 8 Desktop
Personalizing the Desktop Wallpaper
Personalizing the Window Color
Personalizing Sounds in Windows 8
Choosing a Screen Saver
Changing the Desktop Icons
Changing the Mouse Pointer
Personalizing the Taskbar
Tweaking the Taskbar
Personalizing Jump Lists
Personalizing the System Tray
Setting the Date and Time
Changing the Default File Explorer View
Changing and Customizing Your Region Settings
Working with Multiple Languages in Windows 8
Personalizing the Power Management Options
Changing the Power Plan
Controlling the Power Button, Power Options, and Password Wakeup
Controlling Sleep and Hibernation
Changing the Advanced Power Settings
Maximizing Battery Life on Mobile Devices
Adding Power Buttons to the Start Screen and Taskbar
Creating a Power Buttons Toolbar
Summary
CHAPTER 10 Making Windows 8 More Accessible and Easier to Use
Making Windows 8 Easier to Use
The Ease of Access Center
Making Text and Windows Easier to Read
Using the Narrator to Read Text Aloud
Making Your Keyboard and Mouse Easier to Use
Using Text or Visual Alternatives for Sounds
Making It Easier to Focus on Tasks
Finding Accessible Apps in Windows 8
Where to Find Accessibility Help and Support
Summary
CHAPTER 11 Keeping Yourself, Your Files, and Your Computer Safe
How Secure Is Windows 8 Really?
Maintaining Security When Using Windows 8 with Other Windows Versions
Maintaining Security When Using Windows 8 with Non-Windows Operating Systems
Windows Defender
Configuring and Updating Windows Defender
Finding and Installing Third-Party Antivirus Software
Disabling Windows Defender
Offline Antivirus Scanners
Using the Windows Firewall
Configuring and Maintaining the Windows Firewall
Using the Advanced Firewall
User Account Control
Encrypting Files, Folders, and Drives
Encrypting Files and Folders Using the Encrypting File System
How EFS Works
Backing Up and Restoring Your EFS Key
Working with EFS-Encrypted Files
Encrypting Drives with BitLocker
Preparing Your TPM Chip
Activating BitLocker
Backing Up and Restoring Your BitLocker Keys
Starting a BitLocker-Encrypted Computer
Using BitLocker After a Reinstall of Windows 8
When to Decrypt Your Hard Disks
Using BitLocker To Go
Encryption Best Practice
Using Biometric Devices with Windows 8
Summary
CHAPTER 12 Maintaining and Backing Up Your Computer and Files
Maintaining a Healthy Computer
What Causes Computers to Become Unstable
How is Windows RT Different?
Using the Windows 8 Action Center
Managing Action Center Messages
Using the Automatic Maintenance System in Windows 8
Using the Automated Troubleshooters
The Windows 8 Task Manager
Managing Startup Programs
Using Windows Update
Managing Windows Update Settings in Windows 8
Managing Windows Update on the Desktop
Hiding and Restoring Updates
Managing Hardware Drivers and Rolling Back Windows Update
Getting Updates from the Windows Store
Installing Windows 8 Service Packs
Protecting and Repairing Windows
Creating a Recovery Drive
Creating a System Repair Disc
Windows 8 Recovery
Creating an Image Backup of Windows 8
Restoring an Image Backup
Repairing Windows 8 Quickly Using Refresh
Creating a Custom Refresh Image
Safe Mode and Diagnostic Startup Mode
Using Startup Repair
Understanding the Windows 8 Startup Menus
Restoring Windows 8 to Factory Settings
Backing Up Files and Folders
Where to Store Backups
Remember to Encrypt Business Backups
Using Windows 8 Backup
Restoring Files in Windows 8
Saving and Restoring Previous Versions of Files
Safeguarding Your Personal Files and Folders
Taking Ownership of Files and Folders
Summary
CHAPTER 13 Advanced Configuration and Customization
The Control Panel
Customizing the Control Panel
Choosing AutoPlay Options
Setting Default Programs
Managing Fonts in Windows 8
Using Location Settings and Other Sensors
Managing Pen, Touch, and Tablet Settings
Configuring the Windows 8 Advanced System Settings
Managing Virtual Memory Settings
Managing Data Execution Prevention
Configuring and Managing System Protection
Using and Configuring Storage Spaces
Working with Hardware Devices
Device Manager
Installing Device Drivers
Uninstalling and Repairing Device Drivers
Working with Device Drivers
Manually Connecting to Networks
Windows 8 Administrative Tools
Computer Management Console
Defragment and Optimize Drives
Disk Cleanup
Event Viewer
Local Security Policy
Performance Monitor
Resource Monitor
Services
System Configuration
System Information
Task Scheduler
Windows Memory Diagnostic
Further Customizing Windows 8
Disabling the Windows 8 Lock Screen
Automatically Logging into Windows 8
Booting Directly to the Windows 8 Desktop
Useful Windows Registry Hacks
Backing Up the Windows Registry
Add Copy To/Move To Options to the File Explorer Context Menu
Add Defragment to the File Explorer Context Menu
Change Taskbar Program Previews
Show Drive Letter Before Volume Name in File Explorer
Summary
CHAPTER 14 Getting Started with Virtualization
What Is Virtualization?
When Would You Use a Virtual Machine?
Why You Should βSandboxβ Windows XP
Installing an Operating System in Hyper-V
Setting Up Networking with Hyper-V
Integrating Additional Services into a VM
Using Virtual Hard Disks
Creating a VHD in Windows 8
Booting Windows from a VHD
Summary
CHAPTER 15 Installing Windows 8 on Your Computer
Back Up Your Files and Documents First!
Windows 8 Edition Differences
Deciding How to Install Windows 8 on an Existing Computer
When Is an Upgrade Also a Clean Install?
When You Should Perform a Clean Install
Acquiring Windows 8
Downloading Windows 8
Creating Bootable Media from a Windows 8 ISO File
Preparing to Install Windows 8
Upgrading from Windows XP
Upgrading from Windows Vista
Upgrading from Windows 7
Moving from 32-bit (x86) to 64-bit (x64)
Windows 8 Minimum Hardware Requirements
stalling Windows 8 on Netbooks
Upgrading to Windows 8
Performing a Clean Install
Best Practices for Installing Windows 8
Transferring Files and Documents from an Old Computer
Summary
APPENDIX A Windows 8 Touch Gestures
Narrator Touch Gestures
APPENDIX B Windows 8 Shortcut Keys
APPENDIX C Advanced Query Syntax for Search
Data Store Location
Common File Kinds
Properties by File Kind
Filter by Size
Boolean Operators
Boolean Properties
Dates
Attachments
Contacts
Communications
Calendar
Documents
Presentations
Music
Pictures
Video
APPENDIX D Upgrading Your Computer
Choosing a New Windows 8 Computer
Do You Need a New Computer?
Choosing the Right Desktop PC
Choosing the Right Laptop or Ultrabook
Choosing the Right Tablet
Windows 8 and OEM Installation Discs
Adding More Memory to a PC or Laptop
Changing or Adding a Hard Disk
Changing or Adding a Graphics Card
Changing the Power Supply in Your PC
Safely Working with Your PC, Laptop, or Tablet
Upgrading Windows 8
Summary
Index