Windows 8 is one of the most commonly used operating systems. People use Windows 8 on their personal computers, computers for office use, laptops and tablets. Windows 8 brings along the advancements in modern technology like upgraded security, better efficiency, hardware support, faster boot times, incredible apps, versatile sync feature and an interface that is optimized for touch screens.

Microsoft has launched three preview versions as of now. They are the Developer Preview, the Consumer Preview and the Release Preview. The completed version of Windows 8 is anticipated to be released in the coming months. Its user interface is developed on the basis of Metro Design Language. It would include some enhanced features like a dynamic start screen, Internet Explorer 10, Windows defender and extends support for USB 3.0 and UEFI SecureBoot.

Windows 8 comes in four editions:

  • Windows 8
  • Windows 8 Pro
  • Windows 8 Enterprise
  • Windows RT

The hardware requirements of the first three editions mentioned above are more or less the same. But, Windows RT is suitable only for tablet computers that have ARM architecture.

Windows 8 comes with lot of desirable features. Running Windows 8 on your device is very easy and can be accomplished in a few steps. Here are some great tips to help you customize various settings in Windows 8.

  1. Wallpapers: Changing wallpapers is very easy. You will see a desktop tile on your start screen. Right click on it and go to personalize. There, you will find various options like Desktop Background, sounds, Window Color, Screen Saver, etc. You have to click on the Desktop Background icon, and then click on Browse to view images from your picture folder. You can either select one picture as your wallpaper or customize it such that your wallpaper keeps changing after a fixed time interval, say one minute, one hour or one day. You can also randomize the wallpapers or set picture positions one after another.
  2. Lock Screen: Your lock screen will be the first thing you will see as soon as you switch on your computer. Now, you can make it visually appealing. You will have a default lock screen. If want to change it, then you have to go to the control panel on your start screen and click on personalize. There you will see three options- Lock Screen, Start Screen and Account Picture. You have to click on Lock Screen and select a suitable picture by browsing through your image collections. You can also have your picture on the top of your lock screen by clicking on the Account Picture tab and selecting your photo, already saved in the computer.
  3. Sounds: Go to control panel, click on More Settings, Hardware and Sound, and then Change system sounds. You will get a dropdown menu from where you have to select Sound Scheme. You can select one of the available sounds or add your preferred sound file. You can also choose a unique sound for a particular Program Event. Alarm, Notification and Close Program are few examples of program events.
  4. Color Appearance: As mentioned in the first step, you have to select desktop tile, then personalize option and click on Window Color. Here you will find various customization options. You can select a color from the grid, change intensity and adjust transparency, saturation level and brightness. Also, you can set color and tattoos for your start screen. You can choose from 25 distinct color combinations and 20 tattoos. For this, you have to go to control panel, personalize and click on Start Screen
  5. Desktop Icons: You have to click on desktop tile and open personalize option. Then you have to click on Change desktop icons, which is present on the right-side top corner. You will find various icons like Network, Computer, recycle bin, etc. Next you can click on those icons that you want to include on your desktop.
  6. Cursors: Do you want to change how your cursor points for different situations? It is very simple. Click on control panel and you will get a dropdown from where you have to select All Control Panel Items. Here, you have to click on mouse which will open the Mouse Properties Window. You can browse through various cursors and select one.
  7. Touch Keyboard Behavior: You will find the touch keyboard settings when you open the general icon in the control panel. You can turn or off various touch keyboard settings.
  8. Taskbar functions: To access Task Manager, you have to simultaneously press Ctrl+Alt+Del. You can choose the applications you want to end and click the End Task icon.
  9. Tile Sizes: You can arrange the start screen tiles the way you want. To move a tile to a different place, you have to click on it, and then drag it to the place you want. You can zoom out by pressing Ctrl button and scrolling your mouse inwards. You can make a group of three or more tiles and give a separate name to it.
  10. Notifications: When an application receives a message, a notification will temporarily appear on your desktop. You can turn on and off notifications. To go to notifications, you have to click on control panel and open Change PC settings.

As Windows 8 is based Metro design, the look might seem very new to you. But, once you start using Windows 8, you will stick to it as it is very user friendly and quite easy to handle.

 

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By Techwacky

Editor-in-Chef of TechWacky.com