The new version of Microsoft Windows, the simply named Windows 8, hasn’t yet hit the market. But that doesn’t mean that the tech press hasn’t already combed through the software.
That’s good news for you: The editors at computing publications across the Internet have already given Windows 8 a test drive. And these editors are now publishing their findings online. It’s a great way for new users to learn the ins and outs of this new operating system.
For instance, InfoWorld writer J. Peter Bruzzese recently wrote about several nifty features of Windows 8. Here’s a quick look at some of what Bruzzese found:
The charms bar
Windows 8 comes with a side navigation bar called the charms bar. It becomes visible on the right side of the screen when users click or swipe there. Once it’s visible, the bar allows users to take advantage of a wide range of shortcuts.
As Bruzzese writes, users can click or tap the “Settings” option and then click on “Power” to put their computer to sleep. The charms bar has settings for searching, sharing, and switching to the Windows 7 desktop.
Retrieving lost files
What’s worse than losing a file? Not much when it comes to computing. Fortunately, Windows 8 can help.
The operating system comes with a new way of saving copies of files that lets users retrieve previous versions if their current file is lost or damaged. As Bruzzese says, this feature works in much the same way as does OS X’s Time Machine utility.
Windows on the go
Here’s a particularly nifty feature: With the Enterprise Edition of Windows 8, users can put their entire Windows environment on a USB drive and then take it with them. They can then pull it up on any PC that is compatible with Windows 7 or 8.
Windows Reader
Windows 8 also comes with the Windows Reader app. This app lets users open PDFs and highlight paragraphs or use the stylus on a tablet to make notes directly on the PDF.
Read more at InfoWorld: http://kbit.co/windows-8-tips