How to Use Windows 8 - part 4: Using the Basic Programs

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   Use the Office Suite. If you have the newest version of the Office Suite which was designed to pair with Windows 8, you may notice that it has a much more sleek interface. The functionality is largely the same, however, to Office 7, so if you are acquainted with that version you should have an easy time switching over. Certain new features have been added to the various programs to improve functionality and you will likely find your Office experience much more productive and simpler to use.
2. 2
   Use the Mail application. This is a useful application, which handles all of your email accounts by streaming them together into a single program. Sync the program with Hotmail, Yahoo, AOL, Gmail or Google, Outlook, and many other email services. You will be able to view, send, and organize all of your mail from this single program.
   • Add email accounts by clicking settings from the charms menu and then clicking Accounts and Add accounts.
3. 3
   Use SkyDrive. SkyDrive is an application which allows you to store files on the internet, so they can be accessed from anywhere. You can keep these files private, make them public, or share them with particular individuals. You can create folders, upload files, as well as do things like refresh the screen and view details by right clicking in the background of the window.
   • Use of the SkyDrive usually requires a subscription but some features may be available for free.
4. 4
   Use the Store. The store is a helpful service that allows you to find and download new programs to use on your device. Some are free, while others will cost money. You can download games, productivity, social and entertainment, sports, reading applications, as well as various other programs.
5. 5
   Access the Accessories. You may wish to access some of the programs previously contained in the accessories menu, such as Notepad or the Calculator. These programs and utilities are still included in Windows 8 and can be found by clicking the search button on the charms menu and generally scrolling all the way to the right.
   • These programs will generally run in Desktop view and are treated as a single entity.
6. 6
   Use the new printing tools. You will need to make sure you have set up a printer through the devices charm. For programs that run on desktop or have familiar interfaces, you can print in the same way you are used to printing. However, for apps with the “modern look” of the Windows 8 interface, you will need to find the print button within that program or you can use the hotkey ^ Ctrl+P to open the print dialogue.
7. 7
   Setting up custom tiles. You can create new tiles on the start menu by right-clicking the application icon in the search menu. You can also change how tiles look in the same way, by selecting the size (when available). Completely custom tiles can be created using third-party programs, which will allow you to set the image and text of a tile.