Who is such a sysadmin? New features of Windows 8.1 Pro.

02.03.2013

The article presents more than 30 tips, techniques and hidden opportunities for the effective mastering of Windows 8 on a desktop, portable or tablet computer.

By pcworld staff. Windows 8 Superguide. PcWorld.March 2013, c. 58.

Editors PcWorld

There are many new features and procedures in Windows 8 compared to the preceding OS, because of which even the most experienced users of the PC may feel beginners. This is a side effect from the transition to the operating system designed to work as with the authorities touch controland with traditional mouse and keyboard. But you should not be afraid. In this article, we tried to summarize all abbreviated keyboard commands, techniques and hidden utilities that will help cope with the hybrid OS.

Menu quick access

On the right mouse button in the lower left corner of the screen - regardless of whether you are on the start-up screen or in the desktop mode, it displays the quick access menu (Quick Access Menu), which opens a direct road to many key system management functions, in including disk dispatcher, task dispatcher, device dispatcher and control panel. The quick access menu is a tool for those who want to quickly perform certain tasks. It is only bad that Microsoft decided to hide it in the corner of the screen, without telling anyone about it.

Ordering applications

The initial screen can turn into a chaotic jait, if you fix on it in the form of tiles too many applications and other items. Use the built-in tools, they will help break the existing elements into groups, each of which will be assigned their name.

First of all, drag all the tiles you want to assemble into a group, on a free space located on the right side of the screen. The operating system isolates them from others and unite. When you are satisfied with the assembly, use the semantic zoom function (press the button "Scale" button in the lower right corner). It will help to scale the interface and get a general desktop plan. Right-click on the group and select the "Name group" item on the left side of the panel below. Enter the name of the group and enjoy the initial screen.

Fast closing applications

It would seem, with the closure of applications there should be no difficulty, but very quickly you will find that windows Applications No closing button. Microsoft pushes users to translate applications in the background mode, where they will consume the minimum amount of resources, constantly at hand. But if your soul opposes this, close the application by dragging it with the mouse or finger from the top of the screen to the bottom. In the drag and drop process, the program will first turn into a miniature, and after it reaches the lower edge of the screen, and it will disappear at all. In addition, the application can be closed using task manager or key combination +.

Contextual search

The search function, placed on the Charms Miracle Buttons panel, has gained extra power. It allows you to search for directories not only by car with Windows 8, but also in a wider eco windows system. Select the data area in which the search will be performed. It can be all installed applications, system parametersYour files, email messages or even external service like a Windows store or Bing Maps. Enter keyword and press. You can do without accessing the buttons panel and its search element. Just start typing text, and a text box will appear on the screen to enter a search query.

Privacy Management

Many applications are simply implicitly related to personal information. Your photos, location information and name are found in the system. Is it possible to trust the machine on which such a number of confidential data is located? To configure privacy parameters, press the + I key combination and select "Change the computer parameters". Next, specify the "Privacy" item and adjust the settings as necessary for your personal data.

Setting up SmartScreen.

The SmartScreen service warns the user before starting an unidentified application and before opening a suspicious file downloaded from the Internet. Of course, it is always useful to have an idea of \u200b\u200bthe origin of files, but constant warnings are very quickly starting annoying. Settings are easy to change in such a way that no warnings will be issued at all, but for this you will need administrator rights. Select "Control Panel * All control panel elements * Support Center. In the left side of the screen, specify "Changing the parameters Windows SmartScreen." In the window that appears, turn on the desired function Windows SmartScreen Management.

Change scale

The initial screen is filled with numerous tiles representing applications. When these tiles are a bit, they are all well noticeable, but what should be done if their number reaches a few hundred? Most of them are hidden from the eyes, they become visible only after scrolling the screen. Here is the function of the semantic zoom (scale). If used touchscreenIn order to see the general plan of the entire information presented on it, simply reduce the navigation of the initial screen. This feature is also available to those users who work only with the keyboard and mouse. Hold down the key and scrolling the mouse wheel back and forth, you can change the screen scale.

Simultaneous execution of Windows 8 and desktop applications

You may notice that when using multiple Windows 8 monitors, you are located on the main screen, and the additional display is allocated for the desktop. It may seek the impression that in such a situation, the full-screen operation of the applications of both types is supported - Modern-style programs are located on the left, and the applications for the desktop are on the right. However, as soon as you refer to the desktop on the second screen, Windows 8 applications in the Modern style will disappear on the first and instead there will be a desktop.

The secret of the simultaneous startup of the applications of both types is to use the new Windows 8 screen separation function. The desktop takes place a narrow strip on the left, and Windows 8 applications are the remaining part of the screen. Now the second monitor can be left for full desktop viewing. In this case, we really receive a convenient multitasking with the possibility of switching between Windows 8 programs and desktop applications, and their full-size representation allows you to extract the maximum benefit from the proposed functional.

Boot management using task manager

No longer have to run the msconfig utility to define programs included in the autoload. To see which programs automatically start when booting Windows, it is enough to go to the "Auto load" tab in the Windows 8 task manager. To do this, click the + + key combination and select "Task Manager" clause from the proposed menu. (without quotes) in local line "Search". Go first to the "More details" tab at the bottom of the screen, then to the "autoload" at the top and select those programs that must be automatically started at the initial start of Windows.

Equal exchange

And even keep in mind that no desktop application can share information with other programs using the "Shared Access" button.

Graphic password

The use of a graphic password is an easy way to keep your device safe, without remembering the complex sequence of letters and numbers. To install it, refer to the "Parameters" button of the side panel Charms or simply specify + i. Click the "Changing Computer Settings" button in the lower right corner of the screen and go to the "Users" tab. In the "Input Settings" section, you will see the "Create graphic password" After pressing it, you can choose any image and set three gestures in any place. It may be circular and straightforward movements or just touch. The direction of each gesture is taken into account by the system, so take care in advance that they can be easily remembered. After re-entering the password will be installed.

One of the main claims to Windows 8 was that after loading it immediately carried out the transition to the initial screen, which was irritated by many long-time desktop adherents. This deficiency will help to correct the utilities offered by independent developers (for example, Start8). In addition, you can configure the system configuration in such a way as to immediately switch to the desktop mode without installing anything additionally. On the initial screen, type "Schedule" (without quotes) to find in the settings "Parameters" utility "Task Schedule". Follow the link "Task Scheduler Library", which is on the left, and select the right item "Create a task". Come up with the name task (for example, boot to desktop). Click the Trigger tab, click "Create" and select the item from the drop-down list indicating that the task will automatically start when the system is booting ("when logging into the system"). Click OK, go to the Actions tab, select "Create" and enter Explorer in the "Program or Script" field.

To speed up the PC boot process, you can disable the authorization screen in Windows 8. Open the "Run" window (press the combination + R). In the command entering the command, type NetPlwiz to contact dialog box "User accounts". In the top of the window, turn off the "Require name and password" function. Click OK, last enter the username and password to confirm your choice, after which the system will stop issuing a request for authorization when downloading.

Refresh PC

If the system begins to slow down, it may be time to refresh it, returning to the original state. Previously, it was necessary to find windows Distribution On the optical disk, make copies of all data and execute the system installation procedure again. Now, to reinstall Windows 8 without losing data, it is not even necessary to leave the system.

To reinstall the system, press the "Parameters" button in the Charms panel and go to the "Changing Computer Settings" tab located at the bottom of the screen. Select the General tab and find the section "Restore PC without deleting files" in the middle of the screen. (To fully return to factory settings, you need to select "Delete all data and reinstalling Windows"). Select "Start" and click "Next". A few minutes later your PC will reboot, and you will get a freshly installed windows version 8. And to get rid of all sorts of unwanted consequences, naturally, it makes sense to pre-make backup All data.

Delete old Windows data

If a hDD before windows installation 8 was not formatted, probably there were some data from the previous one windows version. All of their Windows 8 puts in the Windows.old folder, and the volume occupied by them can be estimated using the utility "Liberation of the disk space by removing unnecessary files" (Disk Cleanup). Click on the Charms panel "Search" button and type Disk Cleanup. Select the above utility, set the drive letter and click OK. After executing the program will result in the volume of old data, which may be sufficiently significant (in several gigabytes and even more).

If you are already working in windows Environment 8 and do not experience nostalgia for old data, they can be deleted (they include former settings Windows, old application files and documents). To do this, it is enough to choose the appropriate item and click the OK button.

Loading B. safe mode - good way Get access to the system in those situations where it interferes with its normal loading. These interference include damaged drivers devices, as well as the inability to download the files necessary for the functioning of the system. Previously, to download in safe mode, it was enough to press the key when the system starts, but in the Windows 8 environment in this case, the transition to mode is initiated. automatic recovery. How to return the old good good safe mode back? At the time of boot, holding the key, press to go to recovery mode. Select Advanced Options, then Troubleshoot and again Advanced Options (Advanced Options occurs here repeatedly). Specify Windows Startup Settings and finally click the RESTART button. The computer will reboot, and the user will have the opportunity to log in in safe mode.

In order to activate the safe mode without leaving Windows, open the "Run" window and enter MSCONFIG. Click the "Load" tab and set the "Safe Mode" option. Now the system will start loading in safe mode until the previously installed option is removed.

Quick transition to recovery mode

There is a quick way to call the troubleshooting menu, which may like those who do not want to mess with the boot windows disk 8 and press the key. Holding the left key, select the "Restart" parameter in the "Shutdown" menu at the bottom of the charms Windows 8. The computer will restart, and you will access a special menu that suggests the ability to reset, reinstall and restore the system, as well as changes in the Windows startup options.

Windows 8 To Go

Customers who have the version of Windows 8 Enterprise can take advantage of new feature Windows 8 To Go to accommodate boot copy Windows 8 on a flash drive. In this case, they have the opportunity to work safely with their system anywhere. Connect to the computer formatted USB drive sufficient capacity, and then find and run the Windows to Go utility. Wizard Create A Windows to Go asks to specify external storage, Select a file. ISO Windows 8 (it can be found at go.pcworld.com/eval) and set the BitLocker password if you want to encrypt the disk. Click the Create button, and the wizard will independently execute all the necessary operations. If everything went smoothly, you will receive an encrypted flash drive with copy of Windows 8 ENTERPRISE EDITION. From this disk connected to uSB port, You can download the computer.

Receiving POP3 mail in the "Mail" application

Windows 8 "Mail" application does not support accounts emailworking on the POP3 protocol, and we had a lot of difficulties when trying to connect all your accounts. While Microsoft will not eliminate this explicit omission, we can offer a rather simple (although not too convenient) a way to bypass the current situation. You need to start free webmail, which would take letters from the POP3 servers and at the same time supported by the mail application. As an accessible options, we can offer Gmail or Outlook.com. Create a free account on one of these services and connect POP3 accounts to it using the instructions set out on Outlook.com and Gmail.

Making sure that the POP3 mail enters your box on Outlook.Com or Gmail servers, connect the mail application to the relevant service. Voila! Now your POP3 Mail will come to the inbound mailboxes of the mail application through the intermediate postal service.

Enable and disable live tiles

With all the abundance of tiles located on the initial screen, their presentation may seem too inert, despite the bright colors. It is here that live tiles will come to the rescue and come. They in real time output information directly to the initial screen. To view it, you do not have to even open the application. The weather tile, for example, reporting on current weather conditions, and the mail tile will demonstrate the topics of the latest reports. By right-clicking on the tiles, you can independently determine which of them will be alive, and which are not. At the bottom of the tile, the settings panel will appear where you can enable or disconnect the live mode. Simply select the option you want - and ready! However, live mode and update in real time are not supported by all applications.

Placing games on a computer

In Windows 8, there is no "Games" folder, which we remember on Windows 7, but it is not worth upset about this. If you set any game for the PC of the current generation to the computer (and they, as a rule, are stored in this directory), the folder will be created automatically. If you have any difficulties with the game and you need to quickly find the "Games" folder, right-click on the "Game" icon on the initial screen and select the "Open Placement" item at the bottom.

Family security

Want to avoid unwanted surprises with the accounts of your credit cards? Turn on the family security mode by passing the "Control Panel? Accounts and Family Safety Panel? Family Safety" and specifying an account for which this mode will be enabled. Now you will regularly receive reports on operations made on behalf of the specified account, on the level of filtering on the network and on temporary restrictions, as well as identify the rules for shopping in Windows Store, launch games and jobs with applications.

It is useful to create separate standard accounts for children and other family members who would like to restrict access to a computer. (Note that family security parameters do not apply to the administrator account.)

Turn off the computer with one click

In Windows 8, the "Turning off" button is placed in the "Parameters" menu, which causes users to pass a multistage computer to turn off the computer. But with a single cunning trick, you can place the shutdown button right at the bottom of the desktop. Create a shortcut on the desktop (right-click on the desktop and select the Create Create from the context menu? Label"). Enter Shutdown / S / T / 0 (yes, it is zero, and not the letter "O") in the field of information about the location of the item and click the Next button. Enter the name for the shortcut (preferably something like shutdown) and click Finish. Right-click on the newly created label and select context menu Item "Properties". On the Label tab, select "Change icon" and click OK to close the dialog box. Pick up the taste icon in the list. Once again, click on the label with the right mouse button and select "Stop on the initial screen." The icon can be placed on the initial screen in a convenient place for you. After clicking on it, the computer will complete the work and turns off.

Control multiple task panels

Windows 8 allows you to create separate panels Tasks each of experienced usershaving several monitors at its disposal. If earlier you had only one monitor, now it's time to start it. Newest operating room microsoft system By default, it displays the attached programs on all task panels displayed on the screens. In addition, you get access to additional settings: Right-click on the taskbar and select "Properties". If you prefer the old Windows 7 method, you can configure the taskbar in such a way that it is displayed only on the main monitor.

Management of applications on multiple monitors

Especially for those who use several monitors at once, developers operating system Added a pair of key combinations that allow you to manage Windows 8 applications on multiple monitors (old key combinations are also supported to manage applications on multiple monitors in Windows 7). The key in combination with arrows is still attaching the window to a particular side of the screen, and the combinations of + and + move the full-screen application of Windows 8 from one monitor to another. It is very convenient if you want to read the news, keeping the mail application on the screen of another monitor, or you wish to select one monitor under the desktop application, and the other is under Windows 8 new programs.

Background slides

Perhaps it will seem to a non-essential improvement, but in Windows 8 medium it has become possible (finally!) Display various background images to different displays. Even if the background images on the desktop will be changed within the same slideshow, when choosing different initial images for various monitors, the background pictures on them will remain different. If monitors have a different screen aspect ratio and different resolution, Windows 8 will be credited and this.

Internal edges when using multiple monitors

Windows 7 had limited support for recognizing the edges of the screen only when using one monitor. When connecting the window to one of the edges, the application automatically occupied the corresponding half of the display. If several monitors were used, the displays was perceived by the system as one monitor. When it was necessary to deploy the window to half the screen, the border recognition technology in the case of a two-monitor configuration did not work with respect to the "internal" edges.

But Windows 8 supports recognition of any edges in all monitors. For example, if you cross the window to the left border of the right display (i.e. to the inner edge), the side panel with miniatures of working applications will still appear on the screen. And if the icon is supplied to the upper left corner of the left display, you will see the Charms panel. Do not forget that it is necessary to delay the mouse pointer to 1--2 C in the inner edge or angle to trigger the effect. The width of the recognized common corners and interior edges is only six pixels. To recognize, it is necessary to hold the mouse pointer for a few seconds for a few seconds.

Gestures supported by Windows 8

1. Movement from the left edge inside the screen

2. Movement from the right edge inside the screen

3. Movement from the top edge inside the screen

4. Movement from the bottom edge inside the screen

5. Capture and moving the application left and right

6. An increase in the image by breeding the fingers and its reduction as a result of their convergence

Return DVD.

Windows application Media Player. still part of Windows 8, but in the new version of the program it is impossible to reproduce dVD discs. If you are not going to give up view DVD. On a computer, you will need a version of Windows 8 Pro and an optional Media Center Pack. If you prefer free products, we recommend downloading a flexible and free VLC multimedia player. Of course, he has no shine inherent in Microsoft Media Center software, it is quite functional. In addition, VLC offers DVD disc playback tools with the ability to capture video, powerful file transcoding modules, Internet video and podcast configuration functions and even specific Blu-ray support using expansion modules.

More pleasant for the eyes

In many laptop computersworking running Windows 8, beautiful high-resolution displays are squeezed into a tiny portable frame. They have density of points of points exceeding all imaginable limits, and the pixels themselves turn out to be thinner of the razor blades. In the desktop mode, the text on such screens looks too small, and therefore here and speech can not be about what a comfortable reading. Fortunately, the reception that helps to cope with this problem in Windows 7 is applicable in Windows 8.

Right-click anywhere in the desktop, select the "Screen Resolution" in the Context menu, and then link "Changing the size of the text and other items". It will simplify work with a PC, without sacrificing the beauty of the image on a high-resolution display. Select the mode most suitable for your device. The "Changing the Size of the Text and Other Elements" option is useful when you use the touch interface, because it is much easier to get a finger into graphic elements and text of an enlarged size. If we are talking about a portable or desktop PC, the "Change only text size" parameter will save the small sizes of icons and use the screen space as efficiently as possible. The desired text size is selected from the drop-down menu.

On the way to the basket

The new version of the operating system, unlike Windows 7, does not default any warnings in cases where the user wants to get rid of the file. Remote file. immediately falls to the basket, and no confirmation for this is required (Ironically, this is one of the few cases when the task in the new OS is solved faster than in previous versions Windows). If you want to return a warning (sometimes a confirmation request is useful, preventing accidental deletion), click on the basket of the right mouse button and select Properties in the context menu. Set the "Request Delete Confirmation" option and click OK. To get rid of the warning, it is enough to turn off the previously installed option.

Disable the screen lock

New Lock Screenwill be useful then when you work with a tablet or telephone, and on the PC it only turns into an additional obstacle thatwe have to overcome on the way to the initial screen. Fortunately, get rid of the Windows 8 lock screen is quite simple. Open the window to execute commands by entering the "Run" in the search bar by pressing the + R combination or moving the mouse pointer to the lower right side of the desktop by pressing the right button and selecting the "Run" item in the shortcut menu. Type the gpedit.msc and press the key to open the "Local Group Policy Editor". In the left menu, go to "Computer Configuration * Administrative Templates? Control Panel? Personalization. " Make double-click On the "Prohibition of changing the lock screen" of the main panel to open a new window. Set the switch to "Enabled", click OK, and the lock screen will no longer disturb you.

User Account Control

Each Warning of the User Account Control System (User Account Control, UAC), accompanied by a screen darkening, not only makes you interrupt the starting operation to confirm it, but can also lead to the freezing of old equipment. Disable warnings UAC can significantly increase windows performance 8 on outdated equipment and save the sole PC user from excess irritation.

Click in the Charms button "Search", set the mouse pointer on the "Search" panel and type the UAC in the search bar. In the list of obtained results, select "Changing Account Control Settings", after which the User Account Management Settings window opens. Move the runner to one division down so that Windows 8 does not darken the screen and outwriting warnings only in cases where the application tries to make changes to the system parameters. Move the runner to the extremely lower position completely disables all notifications, which increases the efficiency of experienced users.

Activate Windows Protector

The Windows 8 operating system contains a wide range of security tools, which include Windows Defender. But many new PCs with the Windows 8 operating system installed on them are supplied with the default protector disconnected. To improve PC safety, it is recommended to enable this tool at the first opportunity.

To do this, type Windows Defender on the home screen. The system initiates the program search. Click on windows icon Defender, which appeared in the search results. The Windows Defender window will appear on the screen, and if Microsoft anti-virus software is disabled, you will see a lot of frightening red in it, warnings about existing risks And the large image of the crossed out computer screen. Make sure that the "Protection in Real Time" is selected on the left pane and set the "Enable Real Time Protection (recommended)" option. Click the Save Changes button at the bottom of the window.

Useful hidden Windows 8 utilities

Load Case

Perhaps Windows 8 is not the most simple to use the system, but it is difficult to reproach Microsoft in the niceness. Being closer to the newest operating system of the company, you will find a rich assortment of a wide variety of tools, many of which make the utilities of independent developers excessive.

Keep track of the stability of your PC

On the home screen of Windows 8, enter the reliability, select "Parameters", and then - "View system reliability log". The system will go into the desktop mode, and a window with a timeline will appear on the screen. In this case, an interactive diagram is displayed on the display. If you click on the column, the detailed description will appear below. In my case, the story of stability showed moments when the ASUS AI Suite package stopped his work. It turned out also that this software was the cause of multiple failures in Windows 8 operation.

The stability monitor tracks the installation and update of applications and drivers, issuing the user with accurate information about when it happened. Relevant knowledge will help you troubleshoot problems.

Diagnostic tool DirectX

In previous versions of Windows, the DXDIAG diagnostic utility has been activated when DirectX is installed. Now when DirectX interface is part of Windows 8 operating system, the DXDIAG program is also installed on the computer from the start. This is a real storehouse useful informationwhich may be invaluable when identifying problems with DirectX. The "Screen" tab provides information about the installed graphics processor, the display interface (DVI, HDMI, etc.), the distribution of graphics memory, etc. The Sound tab provides information associated with audio devices and drivers. The dxdiag utility provides a higher level of detail than device manager. It is designed specifically for working with DIRECTX devices.

New Display Calibration Tools

As a rule, with factory settings, the PC monitor produces a too bright image with unnecessary saturated colors. Of course, you can spend $ 60 or even more on the purchase of equipment and software for calibrating colors. And this money is likely to be embedded, if you are professionally engaged in computer graphics. But the built-in color calibration tool will provide you with most of the necessary information. Dial in the CALIBRATE search line and specify "Parameters". In the search results, select "Calibrate the Monitor Colors". On the color calibrator greeting screen, a link to the Support Center manual will appear. All you need is to consistently go through all the proposed steps, reading the explanatory text.

Remove the maximum benefit from the task scheduler

This utility helps to schedule the launch of individual Windows applications. Typical example - drawing up the schedule of program work reserve copy. But the task scheduler allows you to create and complex scenarios that must be performed at a certain time and in a certain order.

To start the task scheduler, type the Schedule in the Search line, specify "Parameters" and select "Task Schedule Schedule". Some incorrectly use the task scheduler capabilities in order to initiate the launch of applications during the system loading process, while this is enough to include the appropriate programs in the autoload list. But even if you are not going to create complex task scenarios, it all occurs from time to time it makes sense to think about how this utility can be useful to you.

Starting a virtual machine

Windows 8 Pro and Enterprise version include Virtual Dispatcher hyper-V machinesoriginally integrated into Windows Server. However, by default, the components needed to the computer are not installed. If you want to use Hyper-V, open the control panel, select the "Programs and Components" item and go to the "Turning on or Disable" link. windows components" Select Hyper-V and click OK. After installing the HYPER-V, you must restart the PC. As a result, two applications will be installed: Hyper-V (Virtual Machine Manager, Running Required Software) and Hyper-V Manager, designed to create and delete virtual machines and files. VHD. After virtual machine It will be created, you can install any OS on it, including Windows 3.1, Linux, BSD, etc.

Note that Windows 8 did not enter some functions included in the server version, including virtualization tools of graphics processors and a number of exotic network functions.

Many users who inform the appropriateness of the operating system to update the question of functional opportunities . In this note, I list the new features of Windows 8, which highlight it on the background of alternatives.

Metro Interface and Multitach

Windows 8 functions

Perhaps, new interface It is the most noticeable change in the Windows functional. Its essence consists in a set of live tiles (tiles), in fact and being applications. Touching them or click the mouse opens the corresponding window. The toolbar now floats from the bottom of the screen, and on the right spars the "magic" panel.

The presence of the touch screen allows you to use multitouch gestures to control the system, which significantly improves the efficiency of working with it.

Support HYPER-V

Windows 8 Hyper-V

Windows 8 functions include support. Now users do not need to establish a separate application for virtualization, which greatly facilitates the solution of many tasks.

Built-in antivirus

Component is reliable protection Systems from viruses. In the open developers of individual antivirus software Almost no way spoke on this, but this is a clear blow to their business.

And clouds ...

Windows 8 is literally permeated with support for cloud technologies. In order to take advantage of this advantage, you must become the owner of the accounting microsoft records Windows Live. ID.

Now after reinstalling the operating system, the user does not have to start everything from scratch. Using the Windows 8 reset button, the system can be brought to the "source state", while all configuration and system files will be downloaded from the cloud.

Having a snapshot of your system in the cloud, you can get access to it from any other computer or mobile device. Your documents, music, photos are now available regardless of whether you have a flash drive or not. But the most important advantage cloud storage Data - protection against accidental loss of files.

Manage the computer using gestures

Among the Windows 8 functions are support for the Kinect innovative controller, which has developed for the Xbox 360 game console. It will be used to perform a number of actions in the operating system using gestures.

Where does the tablet end and the desktop begins?

Windows 8 erases the differences between mobile and desktop systems, between processors of various architecture and displays with different diagonal size. Windows 8 functions are supported on laptops, tablets and desktops.

Easy Start

Windows 8 can be run in two modes - full and partial. With the full mode, everything is clear - the operating system starts completely, and at partial load only the most critical components of the kernel and service are started. But this is quite enough to listen to music, view email, viewing the page on the Internet. There is nothing to say that the load in partial mode occurs almost instantly.

After several months, finally, here to save us from many shortcomings Windows 8.. You have undoubtedly heard of the largest new features Windows 8.1. : Start button returned back, Bing owns a search, the split-screen SNAP function has become customizable. That would not be talked about many noar functions, they are subtle changes and there are hidden secrets hidden in dark corners of Windows 8.1, and waiting for their turn to start working .

No, these precious features are not screaming as in Windows 8, the newly acquired feature of the synchronization of applications of tabs in Internet Explorer. 11 between several devices, but they may, just, if not even more, just comfortable. And there is no method using Which you can find them, if you do not dig deeper ... or read this educational article.

Turn off the Start button

Let's start with something basic, but not obvious. Yes, the start button returned back ... but there is no launch in the menu. In this way, you still Must go through the process with the participation of MultiClick Charms Bar, if you want to turn off the computer, that is, if you do not know about secrete menu buttons.

Right-click on the Start button, which appears when you hover the mouse cursor in the lower left corner of the screen, there are several options, including quick links to things such as deep drives and command line tools.

Now, the menu itself is not new for Windows 8.1.. New is adding shutdown in the specified menu. When you hover the cursor for a second gives you options to turn off or restart the computer right then and there, no manipulations with hidden menu which may be required.

Download your computer from the desktop or all applications, and much other

Option Properties Taskbar Another old friend with thin settings The new kind and decisive for desktop. You heard that Windows 8.1. Allows you to download the system directly to your desktop at startup? Yes, but Microsoft is obviously not highly She wants you to do this, that's why this option is hidden in this dark corner of the OS.

Mouse over your desktop right-click on the taskbar, select Propertiesand then open completely new tabs N.avigation. You will find new features for turning off the upper corners. These options are also available in the modern PC setup style, but many start-screen options can be found only here.

They are comfortable! Want to boot directly to your desktop or all applications on the screen? Here is your chance, and other elections are just as useful. How do you show the desktop background on the start screen?

Open the metro station IE 11 in multiple windows

While you are busy, use all the hot steps of the variable snap size in Windows 8.1., do not forget that now you can have more than one application in several open windows snapped that you could not make in the original version Windows 8 Release.

Despite the great efforts, I was not very successful in obtaining the work of functions in Windows 8.1 Developer PREVIEW. When you try to open the application or twice in the application of applications to one side of the screen and attempt to open the second instance - just does not work.

But still, you you can open a few copies of modern internet version Explorer 11. If you have a few open tabs, you can continuously press one of them and select the pop-up window. open tab in new window. In addition, long-term pressing on the links on the web page raises several parameters at the bottom of the screen, including the "Open tab in a new window" dialog. This option leads to a page that opens in another IE 11 window, and Windows 8.1. Helply positioned both windows 50/50.

SkyDrive.

SkyDrive takes on a much larger role in Windows 8.1., Microsoft, from seamless, cloud interconnected even more. In fact, SkyDrive is vital to justify in Windows 8.1.And Microsoft dedicates a whole section of SkyDrive in the modern style of the computer settings. The general number of settings can now synchronize and follow you from the device to the default device, including modern applications! But if you really want to live in the cloud, you need to enable some options. hidden on three or four levels below.

Open the Charms Bar and select Settings > Change PC settings .OTTUD, Open SkyDrive. Options and select in the left menu F.isil.Here you can set the ability to save documents and pictures from the camera to the SkyDrive folder by default, a completely amazing new option, if you want to be able to sit on almost any computer with Windows 8. And feel behind him, as on your own.

It is not easy to relax if your alarm gadgets send explosions during the day. Windows 8. Joined Apple and Android in notifications that make sounds and block your screen, even if you do not keep the tablet in your hands. Fortunately, Windows 8.1. Allows you to turn off the cacophony with new installations a quiet hour. This function is also deeply hidden. Open the CHARMS BAR settings window, and go to Change PC settings>Search and applications > Notifications . Scroll down a little down page until you reach the settings - a quiet hour. Default, in Windows 8.1. The mode is set quietly from midnight to 6 in the morning, but you can change the window for any time that you want.

Take your applications

What really annoyed me in modern applications in the version Windows 8.. No, I'm not talking about a sea of \u200b\u200bunused space ( Windows 8.1. did not fix it!). I mean the fact that they were incredibly annoying to manage them from anywhere, except the starting screen. Modern applications Not anywhere is obviously not shown in the file structure structure, and you cannot exclude them from the control panel program due to the interface features, in Windows 8.1., there are changes.

Go again to the section Search and applicationsand select in the left menu The size apps. The screen is filled with S. full list All installed modern applications, complete with the size of the file of each application. If you are looking to free a little hard disk space, you can click on the application to set the removal options.

Wireless connections Miracast.

People do not like the wires and in Windows 8.1. also. Like Android 4.2, Microsoft, in the updated OS included full support For the Miracast Wireless Display standard, which is mainly acting as AIRPLE AIRPLAY technology. This is your PC screen that can be displayed on a TV or monitor!

Miracast is so new application and You may have problems searching for compatible TVs, but you can pick up the Miracast receiver keys that convert any TV with HDMI port in Miracast compatible display. If you want to connect your devices Windows 8.1. To the Miracast receiver, you can plunge into the modern style of computer settings. The simple option is to open Charms Bar and select Project > Add Display . If there is a Miracast display next to Windows 8. Must find them.

Windows 8.1. Brings new improvements to work with exotic printers that appear in our days. On the one hand, Windows 8.1 Packages for supporting 3D printers come in the form of a driver and native API, and hope they will make the process of 3D printing as simple as the traditional 2D printing process, and not a complicated export of filled mess, which is currently we are idim.

The idea is to allow you to work with 3D printers using the Printing menu under the device, so you can print directly from the device, which is assumed as a new modern interface, the printer software uses Microsoft support.

But advanced with printing does not stop at reached. Windows 8.1. Also includes support for NFC printers. If both are yours windows devices And the printer has (now rarely) support NFC, then simply press one against the other and the device will automatically pair two devices for trouble-free printing.

And if NFC or 3D printers just a little too Adventure for you, you will be glad to hear that Windows 8.1. also includes Wi-Fi Direct printing capabilities. What does this mean? Everything is simple: you can connect directly to the Wi-Fi Direct - compatible printer without in order to switch to Wi-Fi network Or bother with software installation, although the exact method will depend on your printer and device.

How to make Windows 8.1 more convenient and easy to use and special Windows features. Ease of use One of the main problems of all largest companiesengaged in computers, operating systems and software. Ease of use is especially important for sensory systems, that is, systems that do not use the familiar keyboard and mouse.

People of all ages, all groups of society and any personal opportunities will find in Windows 8.1 necessary for themselves. Someone needs larger text, someone left, and someone hard to look at the screen for a long time. Windows 8.1 will satisfy the needs of each.

Get access to the settings that will make Windows 8.1 are much more convenient to use in several ways. What are the available options, change on each page, depending on the interface requirements, starting screen or desktop.

Accessing special features in Windows 8.1 can be obtained in the miracle buttons "Parameters ➤ Change PC Parameters" and then click on special features. Here you will find most of the settings, so necessary for convenience. windows uses. And for most people to look need settings There is no longer required in the control panel on the desktop.

Attention. You can run and switch between programs on the taskbar by clicking windows key + digit (from 1 to 0), where the digit corresponds to the position of the icon on the taskbar.

The special features section there are the following options:

• Screen speaker, includes a tool for voice reading on the screen of your PC items.
• The on-screen magnifier makes the entire screen much more. Monitor (and mouse) are processed as through a glass magnifying glass.
• High contrast, changes the color windows Scheme By default, determining the value between the background and priority elements is much clearer and easier visible.
• Keyboard and mouse include controls to facilitate the use of the keyboard and mouse.
• Other options include additional means Control, for example, the thickness of the cursor and the output of the background wallpaper on the screen.

Special features of Windows 8.1.

So far, we have considered as options for special features affect the convenience of using Windows 8.1 with standard interface. However, if you mainly use the desktop, a lot of options are available for it. This difference between the options is due to the difference in the desktop and the standard Windows 8.1 interface, which is added by the complexity of the software installed on the computer.

Access to special features of the desktop can be obtained through the "Control Panel". In the main section of the section, you will see clear and large controls to turn on the on-screen magnifier, speaker, on-screen keyboard and high-contrast color scheme.

Below is the help in setting the parameters. Here you can get recommendations how to make your computer more convenient to use. This option activates the master who sets you simple questions. The wizard automatically sets the settings. special regime According to your answers.

prompt. If you have a motility problem, it is better to turn off in principle convenient feature Snap and Shake, with which you can place windows on the sides of the screen, fold / deploy them, minimize all programs and much more.

All parameters of special features:

• Using a computer without display, optimizes a PC for using blind or visually impaired. Helps customize the computer loudly reads instructions.
• Optimization of the image on the screen contains many options, including a high-contrast color scheme, creating a thicker cursor and on-screen magnifier.
• Using a computer without a mouse and keyboard includes settings for constant on-screen keyboard and using speech recognition.
• Simplify work with the mouse, switches the mouse buttons (if you are left-hand). And also offers other functions, including the ability to control the pointer from your keyboard, like a mouse replacement.
• Lightweight with the keyboard, turns on the shining keys so that you are among other functions by performing a combination keys Ctrl. + Action, accidentally not pressed two keys at the same time.
• Using text or visual images Instead of sounds, activates visual tips, such as flash imitation, in cases where Windows 8.1 typically plays a warning sound.
• Facilitate work, in order to focus on performed tasks, turns off all excessive animation. This option is useful for those who distract background images.
• Facilitate the use of touch panels and tablets, proposes to use the Windows + volume button to launch special features. In the left domain navigation, the "Special Features" window has an option to change the login settings.

For exploring the version of the Windows 8.1 operating system, we went to the Moscow office of Microsoft, where we demonstrated the Ecosystem, or the interaction of all Windows-based devices. In addition, they talked about the main features that appeared in the new edition.

Let me remind you that Microsoft Windows. 8 was presented on October 26, 2012. The system is focused on high-friendly devices with sensory control capabilities and constantly connected (be it a Wi-Fi or 3G connection). In less than a year, update 8.1 appeared - this is "... confirmation of commitment Microsoft New The principles of fast and adaptive development that implies attentiveness to user reviews, studying various "telemetry" indicators in order to continuously adapt and improve the final product. "

From October 18, 2013, each user of the Windows 8 licensed OS can download the free update 8.1 and evaluate the main chips of the new system in conjunction with various devices, applications and services of Microsoft and its partners.

Naturally, the system was created in such a way that any devices on Windows could interact with each other. "Windows one way or another is part of the life of more than a billion people worldwide. Every day, Windows uses more people than any other operating system, applying it for a variety of things: listening to music or watching video, games and entertainment, contacts with friends and loved ones, communication in social networks, work in the office and beyond.

Microsoft is committed to providing a universal environment and a single user experience on all devices. Windows operating system and her windows Update 8.1 combines the simplicity and entertainment nature of tablets with PC power. "

Windows 8.1 operating system drives together all the manipulations that you spend with gadgets: applications and services work together by presenting a flexible work on all devices as well as entertainment. Well, as the company emphasizes: " Windows platform - Operating system that meets all the needs of modern business. "

Since we have on the site, or rather, a fairly detailed video footage of the main points in version 8.1 and about the "ecosystem" came out on YouTube Channel, then in this text we will summarize what has been seen and heard, as well as we will talk about what has been new in Admission Microsoft Windows 8.1.

Interaction of devices in Windows 8.1

Windows has the ability to automatically synchronize data. For example, when adding to the calendar of any information, it almost immediately appears in another Windows based on Windows, naturally, with the same connected accounting. All changes will affect not only individual applications, but also settings: interface language, wallpaper, desktop and much more. For business, this is especially relevant. When you loss a Windows device, you can use any other gadget with this operating system, go under your account, and all important data will be pulled out of the "cloud".

Using the SkyDrive service (is a hosting file-based on the cloud organization of Internet file storage services with file sharing functions, created in August 2007 and managed by Microsoft) all devices get access to information storage. Again, an example: you made an enon number of photos or videos on your phone or tablet, the gadgets handed them to the cloud storage, and each device with one account will receive access to photos and videos almost instantly.

If you imagine that you have at home game console Xbox 360, then with the help of a tablet, you can interact with the console: management, information input and other. You can control the Xbox 360 and from the phone on the Windows Phone 8 operating system.

For myself, I canceled an interesting PHOTOBEAmer service. If a program is installed on a WP smartphone, and on any other device (TV, tablet, a smartphone, a game console) with a network connection, the site www.photobeamer.com is opened, you can send photos to the TV / tablet screen and so on: on The display appears the QR code to which the WP smartphone should be hosted.

In Windows 8.1, the image transmission support is implemented via the Miracast interface (wireless transmission standard of the multimedia signal). Therefore, almost from each Windows device, you can send an image to a TV with an already built-in function or presence of a special adapter. For business users it is useful if you need to demonstrate presentations. By the way, during the presentation, you specify a finger on the tablet specific places, and something like a point from the laser pointer appears on the TV screen. There are features. Conveniently!

For those who do not trust cloud storageThe Microsoft has come up with an interesting SkyDrive Pro service (corporate storage, which is provided through the organization's subscription on SharePoint Online in Office 365 or through the local ScherePoint 2013). In this case, the information is stored on the company's servers. You can find out in more detail.

An online presentation of documents allows you to transfer real-time information on any device where there is a web browser and the Internet. We were demonstrated by the example document Word.. The essence lies in the fact that the system generates a link to "Doc", which is either copied to the clipboard, or sent by mail. Next, "pass" by reference and on the screen we see the text. Interestingly, if this text is to move on the main gadget, it will move on the device to which the link was sent.

At the improvised presentation of Windows 8.1 in the office, we were also told about some business applications. The first program comes with Microsoft Office - Lync. The Customer Communication Program allows users to communicate with each other in real time using various types of communications: instant messages, video and voice communication, general access to the desktop, conference, file transfer. You can find out in more detail.

Basic new features in Windows 8.1

Oddly enough, but in a new release, the "Start" button on the desktop was returned. It opens the initial screen or configured to run "all applications". The right click of the mouse opens an additional menu. In addition, users can now download Windows (for example, on devices without a touchscreen) in the "desktop" mode.

List of applications. In order to get into the list of all applications on the device, you must pull up the bottom of the screen. And if you pull down from top to bottom on the lock screen - the camera starts.

In the new version Windows wallpaper The desktop does not change when switching to Modern UI. It seems to be a trifle, and the transition becomes more smooth and natural.

Several options for the size of the icons. The size of the "tiles" on the initial screen is selected. Let me remind you that only two options were offered in Windows 8: square and rectangular. In 8.1, two more types added: one less than the previous square (almost like labels), the other - in the form of two rectangles, i.e. Large square.

The first will be interesting to those who want to organize the design of the most compact, the second, those who wish to receive more information. For example, on a large icon appears detailed information about the weather.

Advanced search. In the new version of the system, the search will display the results in the elegant window that combines the search results on the computer, in the SkyDrive service and on the Internet. The most popular results may contain information, images, links to other queries, documents containing the search string, a list of applications from the store installed on your device, and even actions that can be done directly from the page. The search results on the Internet are displayed as accuracy as when switching to relevant web pages.

Receive calls from the lock screen. Allows you to respond to incoming skype calls Right from the lock screen.

Setting up the size of windows. In Windows 8.1, you can simultaneously display multiple applications on the screen. You can change the size of the application windows with almost no limit. This allows you to simultaneously work with multiple applications and desktop. When working with a tablet computer, it is possible to open a new Internet Explorer window in addition to open window Internet Explorer. In addition, if the screen resolution is high, then active windows can be several.

Modechn UI interface settings. In the "Personalization" menu, the Charm panel is the ability to configure the color scheme of the interface background.

A fairly important update is support for tablet computers with a screen diagonal from 7 inches and a resolution of 1366x768 points.

Personal hot spot. We are needed in case you interact with employees outside the office, Windows 8.1 provides the ability to use the device as a personal access point through which you can connect to the Internet and communicate with colleagues.

There are still many innovations, but I think about them worth talking in a separate complete review ApDith Microsoft Windows 8.1.

Conclusion

In this text, I did not evaluate the new version of the operating system and tell detail about others windows features 8.1. The main task was to give a brief information about the interaction of devices on the "Windows" and slightly touch the main features of the update, so I summarize in the most common features: OS looks very good, but as active windows user 7 Many things seemed not entirely convenient for work (probably need some operating experience). I think that for gadgets with touch screens Win8 is undoubtedly one of the best solutions, but for desktop PCs - a few unusual system.

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