Complete Windows 8 Information

11/16/2017 - Optimized for Firefox 56.0.2

COPYRIGHT 1992 thru 2017 - David R. Woodsmall

These web pages are generally arranged in Alphabetic Order, by Subject, with an INDEX at the end of each web page. Find your desired subject and double click on it. NOTE - Support for Windows 8/8.1 ending dates. END mainstream support END of Extended support Windows 7 Service Pack 1 January 13, 2015 January 14, 2020 Windows 8 Windows 8.1 January 9, 2018 January 10, 2023.

GENERAL WINDOWS 8 INFORMATION

START8 - add the START BUTTON to Windows 8 - $ 5 USD Annoyances Org WINDOWS TIPS - Other - General IF possible (does it run on Your computer?), buy/use 64-bit Windows instead of 32-bit Windows. DO buy/use 32-bit Microsoft Office, NOT 64-bit. If you are really short of money, I'd buy a 32-bit Windows 7 system. With Win 8.x there is really no sense in running 32 bit as you get both in the price. Even if you have less than 8GB (and now most computers are getting to the point that they all have at least 4 or more) installing the 64Bit version makes it easy to upgrade the memory and actually use it w/o a fork lift upgrade to the OS - TNewsom Windows 8 and 8.1 can run Microsoft NET Framework Versions 2 through NET Framework 3.5 SP1 (but NOT 1.1). NET is NOT part of the normal Windows 8/8.1 installation.

SHORTCUT KEYS for Windows8

WindowsKEY + C = WindowsKEY + D = Desktop Mode = Win-D (that's the Windows key and the letter D) WindowsKEY + X = Go to DESKTOP WindowsKEY + I = Charms menu = SETTINGS - includes some Control Panel Settings The charms menu is on the right-hand edge of your screen.

Expanded list of SHORTCUTS for Windows 8 - Source - CNET

NOTES: WindowsKEY = Windows = Win. This is the Windows key, found on all newer Windows computers It looks like the old symbol for Windows - a four pane "window" Windows-C: Open charms Windows-D: Go to DESKTOP Windows-H: Open Share charm Windows-I: Open Settings charm Windows-K: Open Devices charm Windows-L: Lock device Windows-M: Minimize all open windows (show the desktop; same as Windows-D) Windows-Shift-M: Restore all open windows Windows-O: Lock screen orientation Windows-F: Search files Windows-Q: Search apps Windows-W: Search settings Windows-E: Open My Computer Windows-R: Open Run command window Windows-U: Open Ease of Access Center Windows-X: Open "power menu" options Windows-[number]: Open taskbar app (in the order they appear on the taskbar) Windows-Tab: Cycle through open apps Windows-Shift-Tab: Cycle through open apps in reverse order Windows-up arrow: Maximize current window Windows-down arrow: Minimize current window Windows-left arrow: Maximize program to the left Windows-right arrow: Maximize program to the right Alt-F4: Close open program or app Alt-Esc: Cycle through items in the order they were opened Alt-Enter: Open Properties of selected item Alt-left arrow: Back Alt-right arrow: Forward Alt-Tab: Switch between open apps Ctrl-Shift-Esc: Open Task Manager

Windows 8 Power Menu

The Windows-X keyboard shortcut opens the "power menu" that provides one-key access to Windows system tools. The one keyboard shortcut you probably don't know but should is Windows-X, which opens the power menu from which you can access more than a dozen Windows system apps by pressing the underlined key in its name.

How to create useful Tiles for Windows 8

ADMIN TILE - create How to create a Windows 8 SHUTDOWN tile - PCWorld Add Windows 8 Shutdown Sleep and Restart Shortcuts - PCpitstop

How to Create useful HOT Keys

Requires a keyboard with programmable keys. Hot SHUTDOWN KEY - creating Integrate a custom SHUTDOWN MENU into the Windows 8 Desktop context menu

Very useful Windows 8 TIPS

Add a SHUTDOWN MENU to the Windows 8 desktop Admin Tools - enable and disable Application List - Quickest way to get in Windows 8 DOWNGRADE to WINDOWS 7 - Howto NUM LOCK - how to turn on in Windows 8 - IT IS SET IN THE BIOS SCREEN SAVER - Change SHUTDOWN on Windows8 does not really shut windows down, so if you make any Registry changes, you need to do a RESTART or create a Windows8 Shutdown Tile to get the changes to take effect. WINDOWS 8/8.1 SOLUTION CENTER - Microsoft

MUST HAVE APPs for WINDOWS 8/8.1 - MY opinions

CCleaner - fixes Registry and removes Junk Files

CCleaner - cleans Registry, junk files and other functions - FREE

Everything

MaximumPC considers Everything to be the best search application for Windows 8 "most comprehensive" and "crazy-fast". Available from from www.voidtools.com GREP / EGREP / IGREP for Windows - Cygwin The Windows 8 built-in SEARCH ONLY searches your LIBRARIES folder and everything below it. If your desired file is in some other location, the built-in search function fill NOT find it (but Everything will).

START8 - adds the Start button to Windows 8 - $ 5 USD

START8 - Review - C/NET Start8 – Download the Windows 8 start menu from Stardock - $ 5 USD My friends and I use and love Windows8 START8.

I also strongly suggest the $5 USD

StarDock ModernMix program. 1) Run Windows 8 Modern apps in a window on the desktop 2) Display and pin Modern apps on the taskbar 3) Explicitly close Modern apps by clicking its close button

SUGGESTED APPs for WINDOWS 8

Foxit Reader - a PDF reader for Firefox & Chrome

Foxit Reader Download Page NOTE: There are Add-ons for Foxit Reader.

Irfanview - Free Graphics Editor

Irfanview Download Page NOTE: There are optional Plug-ins for Irfanview - get those too.

JAVA - Java Console

A lot of security experts recommend NOT using Java

But if you need Java Console for Firefox and/or I.E.

DOWNLOAD Java from Oracle (they bought SUN) How do I enable and view the Java Console? I am currently (1/31/2017) using Java Platform SE 8 U121 in Firefox 51.0.1 on Windows 8.1 x64 Pro NOTE - You can not get JAVA via Mozilla's Add-ons - go to the JAVA.COM site.

DOWNGRADE to WINDOWS 7 - Howto

Downgrading from Windows 8 to 7: What you need to know - PCWorld How To Downgrade From Windows 8 To Windows 7 - CRN.com How to Downgrade from Windows 8 to Windows 7 for Free with ... How to Downgrade Windows 8 to Windows 7: 13 Steps (with Pictures) How to Uninstall Windows 8, Install Windows 7 on Your PC - PCMag Understanding downgrade rights - Microsoft OF COURSE, IF YOU BOUGHT WINDOWS 7, YOU MAY LEGALLY INSTALL IT

REQUIREMENTS - Windows 8.1 system requirements

If you want to run Windows 8.1 on your PC, here's what it takes - Here's what hardware is required for running Windows 8.1 NOTE THE INFORMATION BELOW IS QUOTED FROM MICROSOFT AT THE ABOVE URL ON 1/30/2014 - Go the the source, Here's what hardware is required for running Windows 8.1 just in case a change is to the requirements is made. Processor: 1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster with support for PAE, NX, and SSE2 (more info) NOTE - This eliminates some AMD processors RAM: 1 gigabyte (GB) (32-bit) or 2 GB (64-bit) Hard disk space: 16 GB (32-bit) or 20 GB (64-bit) Graphics card: Microsoft DirectX 9 graphics device with WDDM driver Additional requirements to use certain features (from Microsft - 1/30/2014): "To use touch, you need a tablet or a monitor that supports multitouch To access the Windows Store and to download, run, and snap apps, you need an active Internet connection and a screen resolution of at least 1024 x 768 Microsoft account required for some features Internet access (ISP fees might apply) Secure boot requires firmware that supports UEFI v2.3.1 Errata B and has the Microsoft Windows Certification Authority in the UEFI signature database Some games and programs might require a graphics card compatible with DirectX 10 or higher for optimal performance Watching DVDs requires separate playback software (more info) Windows Media Center license sold separately (more info) BitLocker To Go requires a USB flash drive (Windows 8.1 Pro only) BitLocker requires either Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 1.2 or a USB flash drive (Windows 8.1 Pro only) Client Hyper-V requires a 64-bit system with second level address translation (SLAT) capabilities and additional 2 GB of RAM (Windows 8.1 Pro only) A TV tuner is required to play and record live TV in Windows Media Center (Windows 8.1 Pro Pack and Windows 8.1 Media Center Pack only) Miracast requires a display adapter which supports Windows Display Driver Model (WDDM) 1.3, and a Wi-Fi adapter that supports Wi-Fi Direct Wi-Fi Direct Printing requires a Wi-Fi adapter that supports Wi-Fi Direct and a device that supports Wi-Fi Direct Printing Free internet TV content varies by geography, some content might require additional fees (Windows 8.1 Pro Pack and Windows 8.1 Media Center Pack only) To install a 64-bit OS on a 64-bit PC, your processor needs to support CMPXCHG16b, PrefetchW, and LAHF/SAHF InstantGo works only with computers designed for Connected Standby"

REQUIREMENTS - Windows 8 system requirements

If you want to run Windows 8 on your PC, here's what it takes - Here's what hardware is required for running Windows 8 NOTE THE INFORMATION BELOW IS QUOTED FROM MICROSOFT AT THE ABOVE URL ON 1/30/2014 - Go the the source, Here's what hardware is required for running Windows 8 just in case a change is to the requirements is made. Processor: 1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster with support for PAE, NX, and SSE2 (more info) RAM: 1 gigabyte (GB) (32-bit) or 2 GB (64-bit) Hard disk space: 16 GB (32-bit) or 20 GB (64-bit) Graphics card: Microsoft DirectX 9 graphics device with WDDM driver "If your PC is currently running Windows 7/7.1 or Windows 8/8.1 you can check to see if it meets the requirements by running the Upgrade Assistant. We also recommend that you visit your PC manufacturer's website for info about updated drivers and hardware compatibility." - MICROSOFT

RESTORE POINT - Creating

How to Create a Windows 8 RESTORE POINT

SKYPE - FREE video chat

SKYPE for Windows 8 DESKTOP - FREE

WINDOWS LIVE ESSENTIALS - FREE

Windows Live Essentials - Microsoft - FREE WATCH OUT - THIS TURNS WINDOWS FIREWALL ON You do need a Software Firewall, but I use and prefer Norton's Movie Maker Photo Gallery Windows Live Writer Messenger - I don't encourage this one Outlook - I much prefer Mozilla's Thunderbird or even Eudora

ARTICLES - About Windows 8

Windows 8 - Wikipedia Windows 8 - PC World

Window expands to full screen - how to turn off

Windows expand to full screen - how to turn off? - Microsoft Both Windows 7 and Windows 8 (it's really the Aero Snap / Mouse feature).

BURN CD, DVD and ISOs

I PREFER TO USE THE FREE "ImgBurn" to create CDs and DVDs. Imgburn download Copy Digital Photos to CDs or DVDs in Windows 8 Burn pictures or videos to a CD or DVD - Windows - Microsoft Burn a CD or DVD in Windows Media Player - Windows Help Windows 8 has native support for burning ISO images. You can create a bootable dvd using windows usb/dvd tool but to create and iso image you need 3rd party software such as Magic iso or Daemon Tools Lite. Windows 8 has native support for burning ISO images IF you have an ISO on HDD. Insert a blank CD/DVD, Right-click the ISO file you want to burn and select "Burn disk image". http://www.groovypost.com/howto/windows-7-burn-an-iso-image-to-disc/ How To Create an ISO Image From a DVD (or CD or BD) Create ISO files in Windows 8 - TechRepublic ISO Creator (FREE) - How do I create an ISO image file with WinISO? How to Burn a CD or DVD in Windows 8.1 - YouTube

Windows 8 UPDATE 1 - 8.1

Manual updates to Windows 8.1 WILL FAIL UNLESS YO DO THIS BEFORE MAY 13th 2014 Download Windows 8.1 Preview What awaits in Windows 8.1 — a Preview tour Create a Windows 8.1 Preview dual-boot setup on your Windows XP system

WINDOWS 8 HELP - RESOURCES (not mine)

Computer Manuals and Drivers - PC Pitstop FREE or almost free PC / Windows HELP Kim Komando Show - TIPS PC Pitstop - Tech talk WINDOWS 8 SOLUTION CENTER - Microsoft

OTHER WINDOWS INFORMATION

ActiveX DirectX File Extensions INF File Info FILE SYSTEMS Office Registry File - Information PowerShell - Information WINDOWS TIPS - Other - Comprehensive Word

INDEX - WINDOWS 8/8.1 Jump Table