How to Use Windows 8 - Part 1: Using the Start Screen

Part 1 of 7: Using the Start Screen

1. 1
   Use the tiles. When you start the computer, after passing the lock and sign-in screens, it will take you to the start screen. This screen replaces the function of the start button in previous versions of Windows. On your start screen, you will see several boxes in various sizes and colors. These are tiles. Tiles act the same as icons did in previous versions, in that clicking on them starts the program that they represent.
   
   
   
   • Some tiles will present basic information associated with that program. For example, the Store tile will show the number of programs, which have available updates (if any).
   • You can move the tiles by holding and dragging them. With the Windows 8.1 update, you can even batch move (as well as edit) tiles.
2. 2
   Take advantage of the live tiles. Live tiles are tiles, which change every few seconds to present you with various information. These can be helpful and give your start screen a more dynamic look but they are not available for every application. Using live tiles is especially helpful with things like News applications, which will flash headlines to keep you updated.
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   Click the Desktop tile to switch to the desktop view. There should be a tile on your start screen, which takes you to the traditional desktop view. You do not need to use Desktop view to do most tasks, but you may wish to default to desktop view until you become more comfortable with Windows 8.