Windows 8: hidden tricks and shortcuts
Exploring Windows 8 is a like treasure hunting: every so often, you find aA hidden gem. Since the operating system launched in October, WindowsA 8 revealed a wide range of secrets for those curious enough to find them,A ranging from quick shortcuts to helpful maintenance tools.
Type and Search
Need to run a search in Windows 8 for a rarely-used application? Just startA typing on an open area of the Start Screen. The operating system pulls upA search results based on what you typed. Not having to open a search box isA a nice timesaver, although if your touch-typing is as bad of mine you mightA send the system searching for misspelled apps.
Need to run a search in Windows 8 for a rarely-used application? Just startA typing on an open area of the Start Screen. The operating system pulls upA search results based on what you typed. Not having to open a search box isA a nice timesaver, although if your touch-typing is as bad of mine you mightA send the system searching for misspelled apps.
Faster Screen Shots
Press Win + Print Screen (Win + Volume down on a tablet) and automaticallyA save screenshot as a PNG file. No more opening Microsoft Paint, pasting andA manually saving screenshots.
Press Win + Print Screen (Win + Volume down on a tablet) and automaticallyA save screenshot as a PNG file. No more opening Microsoft Paint, pasting andA manually saving screenshots.
Win + X: The Best Shortcut Ever
Like many users, I miss the old Windows Start Menu, with its easy access toA My Computer, Documents, and Control Panel. While Windows 8 dispensesA with the Start button, Microsoft added a lovely little context menu. SimplyA press the Windows button + X and the menu appears.
Like many users, I miss the old Windows Start Menu, with its easy access toA My Computer, Documents, and Control Panel. While Windows 8 dispensesA with the Start button, Microsoft added a lovely little context menu. SimplyA press the Windows button + X and the menu appears.
How helpful is it? The menu offers access to everything from the ControlA Panel and Task manger to Computer Management and Network Connections.A All told, the Win X menu offers sixteen helpful shortcuts.
The Task Manager Startup Tab
Some programs have an inflated sense of self-worth. During installationA programs assume users want it active at all times, so it slips into your list ofA Start Up Programs. The more programs automatically running when you startA up slows down your computer. The redesigned Windows 8 Task Manager includes a Startup tab, listing allA programs that open during Startup. You can quickly scan the list, check offA any programs you dona€™t need running and hit the Disable button.
Some programs have an inflated sense of self-worth. During installationA programs assume users want it active at all times, so it slips into your list ofA Start Up Programs. The more programs automatically running when you startA up slows down your computer. The redesigned Windows 8 Task Manager includes a Startup tab, listing allA programs that open during Startup. You can quickly scan the list, check offA any programs you dona€™t need running and hit the Disable button.
Jump Lists
Taskbar Jump Lists are great shortcuts, but by listing your Recent Items, theyA raise some privacy concerns. Do you want just anyone gaining easy access toA the documents you recently viewed or the videos you watched? Windows 8 allows users to customize Jump Lists by right-clicking theA Taskbar and selecting Preferences. In preferences click Properties and thenA click the Jump Lists tab. You can know control what pops up when you right-click a taskbar icon.
Taskbar Jump Lists are great shortcuts, but by listing your Recent Items, theyA raise some privacy concerns. Do you want just anyone gaining easy access toA the documents you recently viewed or the videos you watched? Windows 8 allows users to customize Jump Lists by right-clicking theA Taskbar and selecting Preferences. In preferences click Properties and thenA click the Jump Lists tab. You can know control what pops up when you right-click a taskbar icon.
Schedule Auto Maintenance
Windows 8 Schedules maintenance tasks automatically, including softwareA updates, security scans and diagnostics. By default, these tasks run at 3.00A a.m. You can change the maintenance schedule to suit your own needs. From theA Control Panel, click Systems and Security and then select the Action Center.A Now click Maintenance and then Start Maintenance. From here, you can alter when Windows 8 performs maintenance, andA select which maintenance functions you want to run. You can also choose toA perform maintenance tasks manually, if you prefer a more hand-on approach.
Windows 8 Schedules maintenance tasks automatically, including softwareA updates, security scans and diagnostics. By default, these tasks run at 3.00A a.m. You can change the maintenance schedule to suit your own needs. From theA Control Panel, click Systems and Security and then select the Action Center.A Now click Maintenance and then Start Maintenance. From here, you can alter when Windows 8 performs maintenance, andA select which maintenance functions you want to run. You can also choose toA perform maintenance tasks manually, if you prefer a more hand-on approach.
Relocating Your Recycle Bin
Youa€™d expect to find your Recycle Bin in the left-hand navigation pane, whichA lists open apps. But no, a quick peek reveals ita€™s not there. Microsoft decidedA to keep the navigation pane as simple as possible, so all youa€™ll see is a list ofA open apps. Dona€™t despair. If you want quick access to your Recycle Bin, click theA navigation panea€™s View option and select Options. You can now select ShowA All Folders, adding the Recycle Bin to the navigation pane.
Youa€™d expect to find your Recycle Bin in the left-hand navigation pane, whichA lists open apps. But no, a quick peek reveals ita€™s not there. Microsoft decidedA to keep the navigation pane as simple as possible, so all youa€™ll see is a list ofA open apps. Dona€™t despair. If you want quick access to your Recycle Bin, click theA navigation panea€™s View option and select Options. You can now select ShowA All Folders, adding the Recycle Bin to the navigation pane.
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