An operating system is the program that makes a computer functional and is responsible for the functioning of all other programs and hardware. If you have a “computer,” it probably has the Windows operating system installed. If you are a novice user, we will help you learn and master all the features of your version of Windows, and also customize them according to your preferences. All our lessons are intended primarily “for dummies” - for beginners Windows users 10, 7, 8/8.1 and XP are listed below. They are available to you at any time of the day and completely free.

Windows 10

Windows 10 is latest version operating system Windows from Microsoft for personal computers and mobile devices. It was released on July 29, 2015, and for exactly 1 year, users could upgrade their computers to Windows 10 for free. If you haven't completed the update yet: . Learn more about Windows 10 with our beginner tutorials below! You will find more instructions and articles.

Windows 8/8.1

Windows 8 is the penultimate version of the operating system from Microsoft for personal computers, laptops and even mobile devices (tablets, smartphones, etc.). In this version, everything is completely redesigned, and many things may be incomprehensible and unusual for users. With the help of our lessons you will learn all the features, settings and quickly get used to Windows 8.

Windows 7

Windows 7 is the operating system from Microsoft, released in 2009 as an upgrade to XP or Vista. Learn all the features and settings of the Windows 7 operating system with the help of our lessons.

The world is waiting for the emergence of a new generation of the Windows 8 operating system from Microsoft. Its test versions are already available. Judging by them, Windows 8 has many new features and capabilities that are not obvious at first glance, but are very convenient if you learn how to use them. A few tips and tricks in this article will make your life with Windows 8 much easier!

How to turn off your Windows 8 computer

The most ill-conceived and inconvenient thing in Windows 8 is the process of turning off the computer. There is simply no familiar “Turn off” button in the Metro interface! Of course, you can use the Alt+F4 key combination, but it’s much more pleasant to turn off the computer by pressing the tile in the Metro interface.
Creating such a tile is very simple. Go to your desktop, right-click on it and create a new shortcut. In the shortcut parameters enter the command:

shutdown.exe -s -t 00

Copy the created shortcut to the folder:

C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs

Please note that the "ProgramData" folder is hidden, so the easiest way is to copy the address to address bar conductor.

After that, return to the Metro interface and you will find the “Shutdown” tile in it:

By clicking this tile you can turn off your computer in one click!

How to remove an application from Windows 8

To get rid of programs you don't need in just a couple of minutes, click right click mouse on any application icon in the Metro interface. A special panel will appear at the bottom of the screen, on which, among other things, there is a “Delete” item.

When you click on it, to third party programs The "Programs and Windows components", from where you can run a regular uninstaller, and applications downloaded from Windows Store, will simply be deleted immediately, without unnecessary requests!

Windows 8 Hotkeys

If your computer doesn't have touch screen, working in the Metro interface with a mouse will be tedious. It will be more convenient to use hot keys instead of a mouse. Below are the most important Windows 8 keyboard shortcuts:

• Windows + C: Open the right pop-up toolbar.
• Windows + I: Opens the settings panel.
• Windows + T: Opens the desktop.
• Windows + M: The worker also opens it and at the same time minimizes all windows.
• Windows + Q: Opens the utility global search in the Windows 8 metro interface.

Don't like the Metro interface?

If you don't like the Metro interface, you can get rid of it easily and simply with the help of a small, useful trick. Launch Explorer and create a shortcut on your desktop for the desktop itself.

Then simply copy this shortcut to your startup programs folder.

More detailed instructions on this issue is given in our review:

Search apps directly in Metro

In Windows XP, searching for applications required clicking Start, placing the cursor in the small window at the bottom of the screen and typing the name of the application. It would seem that it would be much simpler? It turns out there is somewhere!

In Windows 8, you don’t need to open any windows at all to search for an application. You just need to start typing, right in the Metro interface.

What to do if Windows 8 starts to crash?

Alas, test versions of Windows 8 always crash once a month, so much so that you almost have to reinstall the operating system from scratch. It is possible that this is a deliberate limitation of free trial versions of Windows 8.

For those who already use this OS as their main one, reinstallation is not advisable. It is much easier and faster to use one of the two new built-in “update” or “reset” system functions.

Move your mouse to the lower right corner of the screen, wait for the panel with the “Settings” button to appear and click it:

The system settings panel will appear. Click the link " Additional settings" (More PC settings):

The control panel will appear. Go to the “General” section:

The Refresh... command in this section allows you to restore the system without deleting user data. If this recovery option does not help, you can use the “Reset to initial settings” option (Reset...):

The reset function actually completely reinstalls Windows 8, while it deletes all data and restores the OS to its original state. After performing the “Reset” the system will be like new!

Default application settings

The default applications in Windows 8 are generally not bad, but some of them would like to be replaced with third-party ones. A special tool has been created for this in Windows 8. To launch it, simply type the text “Set default programs” in the metro interface and click on the link that appears.

In the default programs settings window, select the "Set programs as default" option. For each program, you will be able to see and configure all the extensions that it can open:

Windows 8 download links

All the innovations of Windows 8 can be seen and tried now by downloading the official free test version. Links to it can be found in our review.

The Windows 8 operating system is available for purchase in the box and online. It is also installed on new personal computers. A modified version of this operating system Windows Phone Can also be installed on smartphones and tablet PCs. Thus, the question of how to work in Windows 8 seems relevant.

Goal of the work: learn how to install an operating room Windows system 8 and study it from the user's point of view.

Tasks:

1. Install the Windows 8 operating system on virtual machine VirtualBox.
2. Examine the OS screen. Understand the location of management and configuration tools.
3. Understand the magic buttons.
4. Desktop. Similarities and differences from previous versions. Learn to use help.
5. Learn to install and remove programs. Install a program created for older versions of Windows.
6. Learn hotkeys.
7. Write a report as a comment on this article.

Some helpful information on using the Windows 8 operating system.

How to open Help in Windows 8

Press the keys on the keyboard Windows and F1 at the same time. The following help window will appear (all screenshots can be viewed in full size by left-clicking on them. They will open in a new tab).

If you have an Internet connection, you can access latest updates online help.

You can also access help by hovering your mouse over the top or bottom right corner of the screen and selecting Charms > Settings > Help.

Screen overview

Windows 8 can be operated in one of the modes: Start screen and Desktop.

Home screen

When you turn on your computer, the Home screen appears, which allows you to launch applications (hereinafter referred to as Applications) by clicking on the live icon icons.

Icons can be moved from place to place by grabbing them with the left mouse button. Not all apps and programs appear on the Start screen. To see the full list of programs, you need to right-click anywhere on the Start screen and select the All applications icon on the right in the bottom menu that appears.

Applications are divided into groups. Among them there are also system utilities, for example, Control Panel.

You can move around the screen by rotating the mouse wheel or moving the mouse cursor to the edge of the screen.

Desktop

Provides features similar to those that the desktop provided over earlier versions Windows.

Both screen modes let you access Charms and view your recently opened apps. To view the last application you opened, hover your mouse over the top left corner. A miniature icon of the application screen will appear, clicking on which will open the application window.

If, after hovering the pointer over the upper left corner, you move the mouse down a little, a menu of all running programs will appear. this moment applications. At the bottom of the list is a transition to the initial screen, since the call was made from the Desktop.

If the same manipulations are carried out from the Home screen, then applications launched in Desktop mode will be shown first, then, lower down, applications launched from the Home screen.

How to work with charms in Windows 8

The so-called miracle buttons are new type menu. It combines the Start menu and the panel Windows management 8. First, let's figure out what these buttons are and what functions they perform.

You can activate the Charms bar by hovering your mouse over the top or bottom right corner of the screen.

The panel has five buttons, each of which is responsible for specific actions. In the center is the “Start” button, which allows you to launch Home Windows screen 8. The documentation containing information on how to work in Windows 8 for users offers the following description of these buttons.

How to turn off your Windows 8 computer and make some adjustments

To shut down or restart your computer, call up the Charms menu and find the Settings button.

In addition to the power button, on this tab you can make other settings: sound, brightness, wireless network and etc.

How to work with applications in Windows 8

Applications (programs) can be launched both in desktop mode and in Home screen mode. Desktop mode contains windows with minimize, maximize, and close buttons. Similar to previous versions of Windows.

To launch an application from Home screen mode, left-click its icon on the Start screen. To close a running application, move the mouse cursor to the top edge of the screen approximately in the middle so that it takes the shape of a hand.

Now click left button mouse and, without releasing it, drag the mouse down. The app's thumbnail will move down and close.

There is no need to minimize the application. You just need to launch a new application through the Start charm by hovering the cursor at the lower left corner of the screen.

Just like in desktop mode, you can view the list already running applications, hovering over the top left corner of the screen and swiping down slightly.

Run two applications simultaneously in Windows 8

1. Launch apps from the Home screen.
2. Hover your mouse over the top edge of the screen. The cursor will change to the shape of a hand.
3. While pressing and holding the mouse button, move the cursor left or right (not down as you would to close an app) to split the screen to display multiple apps.
4. Move the Screen Split Bar to change the screen split ratio. 3:7 or 7:3 screen splits are supported.

Here's what it looks like (the image viewer on the left and the video player on the right are running).

To move to normal mode, left-click on the three dots of the dividing bar and, without releasing the button, move the bar towards the edge of the screen.

Add or remove an app from the Home screen

Start viewing all applications installed on your computer (see above). To add an application from full list On the Home screen, right-click the app you want.

A menu will appear at the bottom of the screen containing the icon of the “Pin to Home Screen” button or the crossed out “Unpin from Home Screen” button.

As can be seen from the screenshot, applications available for launching in desktop mode have additional items context menu.

How to use the app store in Windows 8

To use the application store, you must register account Microsoft. For this

1. Launch the Charms and select Settings > Change PC settings.
2. Select Users > Your Account > Switch to Account Microsoft entry.
3. Register an account by following the wizard's instructions.

A Microsoft account lets you sync settings with other network-connected devices running Windows 8 to help you public access to files or parameters.

Additionally, with a Microsoft account, you will be able to install apps from the Windows Store.

How to work in Windows 8 using hotkeys

The presence of a keyboard allows you to use not only the mouse to control operating system tasks. Windows 8 has its own system of hot keys, the use of which will significantly speed up work. The table below contains a list of button combinations for calling a particular command.

Results. Carrying out laboratory work, you learned how to install the Windows 8 operating system and understood its main differences from previous versions of operating systems of this family. Now the question of how to work in WIndows 8 will no longer confuse you.

Don't forget to leave a progress report by commenting on this article.

If you used Windows XP, Vista and 7 recent years 10, then in any case it will take you some time to get used to Windows 8 - but over time, you will enjoy it and you will like the new OS more and more, that's for sure.

Don't worry, the transition is much less painful than you think it will be.

Windows 8 Keyboard Shortcuts or Windows 8 Hotkeys

First of all, if you weren't already a fan of hotkeys, then in Windows 8 you will have to remember combinations, which will make it easier and faster to work with Windows 8 in the future. By developing a more user-friendly interface, some functions - for example, the power button - in ​​which is now much more difficult to reach with the mouse. Luckily, Microsoft has added several keyboard shortcuts to help make your work easier and faster, but the keyboard shortcuts used in previous versions You can also use Windows.

Start by pressing the ‌Windows‌ logo key, which helps you switch between home screen and the program you are working in.

Windows‌ +C → Open Charms Windows‌ +Q → Open Search to search for applications Windows‌ +Z → Show commands available in an application Windows‌ +K Open "Devices" Windows‌ +Q "Search" to search for applications Windows‌ +W "Search" to search for settings Windows‌ +Z Display commands available in an application Windows‌ +SPACEBAR Change the input language and keyboard layout Windows‌ +CTRL+SPACEBAR Change previously entered data Windows‌ +TAB Move between open applications Windows‌ +CTRL+TAB Switch between open applications (except classic ones) and pin them as you move Windows‌ +Shift+period (.) Pin an application to the left

Alt-F4 — You can close the Metro interface, shutdown, sleep, or reboot using a keyboard shortcutAlt-F4!

Use these keyboard shortcuts as often as possible until they become instinctive.

Just using Windows 8 with a keyboard and mouse will teach you a lot about how you can interact with your environment metro.

• Remember, everything that worked in Windows 7 works in Windows 8. Almost everything you could do in Windows 7, you can do in Windows 8. The Task Superbar is your friend! Attach everything to it. Superbar miniatures are still there. System Tray is still there. The original control panel is still there. The significant difference is that you have to use the application search in the metro interface (which is a little strange in my opinion, but perhaps Microsoft will provide another option later).

• Don't be afraid of the Metro start screen, but if you don't want to deal with the lack of a Start button, then then use it to bring back the Start menu in Windows 8.

• Press any key on the lock screen.Windows 8 has a new (targeted) touch devices) lock screen. You can drag it up with your mouse (not very convenient) or press any key on your keyboard (much easier).
• Run as administrator. Right-click the context menu and select “Run as administrator.” You can use the arrow keys to navigate in context menu. From the same menu, you can pin applications to the Superbar taskbar.
• You can navigate Metro using the keys. You can also use Page Up / Down to quickly move between groups. It's much faster than panning with a mouse.

Task Manager

The task manager has been updated and also shows which applications and services are consuming computer resources. To open the task manager select Search → Task Manager

If you use a mouse, you can right-click in the lower left corner of the screen and select it from the menu of additional commands.

When you first open it, you will see a simplified task manager that only allows you to close applications.

Open Windows programs do not slow down the computer, i.e. it is not necessary to close them. If the program is not in use, Windows will leave it in background mode and with continued non-use, it will close it itself after some time. Close Windows application, you can simply drag it down the screen. (If using a mouse, click at the top of the application and drag.)

To view All details, click More details. Here you can manage everything that works for you. Each line contains information about specific program, and the resources it will consume. The more resources it consumes, the richer the color in the task manager, allowing you to quickly identify applications that are consuming a lot of resources.

Windows 8- This is the penultimate version of the system released by Microsoft today. As we expected, after the “Seven” we received the “Eight”. And of course we need to learn install Windows 8 to get started with this latest operating system. I suggest we do this today.

Let's look at the whole process Windows installations 8, how it differs from the installations of other versions of Windows, and so on. But before we get down to business, we need to naturally announce the system requirements. It's simple!

To install Windows 8 we need:

so that the processor is with clock frequency at least 1 GHz
free space hard drive 20 GB or more
DirectX 9 support

In other words, if you previously had “Seven” installed, then you shouldn’t bother with system requirements. Latest Windows 8 will work great for you.

1. Where to get a disk with Windows 8

You can buy the program in a store or online. If you are from the network, then most likely you will have an image downloaded that will need to be written to an empty disk. I explained how this is done in the lesson: . If this information is relevant to you, then read it, everything is very simple.

2. Set the BIOS to boot from disk