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Getting Started with the Windows 8 Tablet

Tags: 2014-117DP

Thursday, June 26, 2014 9:33:49 PM

How Do I Learn this Stuff?

Avoid reading the Lenovo User Guide. Instead, watch this video.

This is a good way to get started with Windows 8.

Tips for You

  • In Metro mode, single tap.
  • In Desktop mode, double tap.

Windows Tablet 8 Fundamentals

  • The are two modes. Metro and desktop.
  • Desktop is optimized for use with a mouse. Avoid.
  • Metro is optimized for touch. Use it on the tablet.
    • Metro mode is immersive – that is, it hides stuff on the sides and bottom.
    • Swipe to reveal functionality.

Basic Touch Gestures

  • Swipe from the right side to view the Charms & to access Settings.
    • Note. Settings are Metro application specific.
    • If you are on the Start Screen, then the Settings are specific to the Start Screen.
    • If you are in the Mail application, the settings are for Mail.
  • Swipe from the left side to view/go-through open Metro applications.
  • Swipe from the top all the way to the bottom to close an open Metro app.

Walkthrough: Access the Internet

  • Swipe from the right to view the Charms.
  • Tap Settings.
  • Tap Wireless Networks (looks like a bar chart).
  • Tap a network (e.g. Shaw Open, Salt Spring Library).
  • Authenticate (this isn’t always necessary).
  • Now you are on the Internet.

Navigate the Internet with Internet Explorer in Metro Mode

Internet Explorer in Metro mode is immersive. You must swipe to reveal functionality.

  • Swipe from the top to reveal open tabs.
    • Switch between tabs.
    • Close individual tabs.
    • Create a new tab.
    • Create a new private tab (no history tracking).
    • Close all tabs except the active one.
  • Swipe from the bottom to show the navigation bar. From left to right:
    • Back.
    • Address bar.
    • Refresh.
    • Pin.
    • Options.
  • Swipe from the far right to reveal charms.
  • Swipe from the middle right to move forward.
  • Swipe from the far left to show other open Metro apps.
  • Swipe from the middle left to move backward.
  • Swipe from the top all the way to the bottom to close.
  • Experiment with different swipes.

Access Email

There are two ways to access email. One is through a web browser (e.g. Firefox) via mail.google.com or webmail.shaw.ca, for instance. The other is through a “Mail Client” that downloads emails automatically to your computer.  Here are instructions for how to Access Shaw Webmail from the Windows 8 Mail App. https://community.shaw.ca/docs/DOC-1517

Todo

  • Setup OneDrive (to access Excel from anywhere).
  • Learn to use the Camera.