Technical information

Windows 8 For Dummies, Dell Pocket Edition
8
In a way, Windows 8 offers the best of both worlds: You
can stay on the Start screen for quick, on-the-go brows-
ing. And when work beckons, you can head for the desk-
top, where your traditional Windows programs await.
Because the Windows desktop no longer contains the
traditional Start button and Start menu that sprouted
from the corner, you now must retreat to the new Start
screen. To open a program, click or tap a program’s tile
from the Start screen, and Windows shuffles you back to
the desktop, where the newly opened program awaits.
Love it or hate it, the new Start screen plays an inte-
gral role in Windows 8. This chapter explains how to
make the most of it, whether you want to enjoy it or
avoid it as much as possible. You find out more about
the desktop in Chapter 2.
If you find yourself staring glumly at the confus-
ing new Start screen, try these tricks: Right-click
a blank spot, or point at any screen corner with
your mouse. Those actions fetch hidden menus,
bringing you a glimmer of navigational hope.
If you’re using a touchscreen computer, substi-
tute the word tap when you read the word click.
Tapping twice works like double-clicking. And
when you see the term right-click, touch and
hold your finger on the glass; lift your finger
when the right-click menu appears.
Starting Windows 8
Starting Windows 8 is as easy as turning on your
computer — Windows 8 leaps onto the screen auto-
matically with a flourish. But before you can begin
working, Windows 8 stops you cold: It displays a
locked screen, shown in Figure 1-3, with no entrance
key dangling nearby.
These materials are the copyright of John Wiley & Sons, Inc. and any
dissemination, distribution, or unauthorized use is strictly prohibited.