How to Use Windows 8 - Part 6:Gaining Better Control

1. 1
   Set up other users. Add new users for the device by selecting “Change PC Settings” from just below the main six settings, in the Settings section of the charms menu. From there, click on “Users” and “Add a user”.
2. 2
   Create shutdown and reboot tiles. You can create tiles to shut down or reboot the computer if you would find that to be easier. Start in desktop view, right-click and choose “New” and then “Shortcut”, type shutdown /p into the location field, and then click next. When that’s done, right click the new shortcut and choose “Pin to Start”. You can similarly create a reboot tile by typing in shutdown /r /t 0 instead of shutdown /p.^[7]
3. 3
   Use the task manager. You can access the task manager, which has been given a badly-needed overhaul, by right-clicking in the bottom left corner of the screen or by navigating all the way to the right in the search menu.
4. 4
   Use parental controls. Parental controls exist in Windows 8 and are easier to use than ever, however, they’ve been renamed to Family Safety. You can get activity reports (sent straight to your email!), set up filters and restrict apps, and create time limits, among other features. ^[8]
   • Family Safety will need to be turned on when creating the user account.
   • Open the control panel, select “User Accounts and Family Safety”, “Family Safety”, and then choose the user for whom you would like to change the safety settings.
5. 5
   Sync between devices. You can sync settings between all your Windows 8 devices by simply attaching the device to your Microsoft account (sometimes called a Live account), and allowing syncing in your settings. Change the setting by selecting “Change PC Settings” from just below the main six settings, in the Settings section of the charms menu. From there, click on “Sync Your Settings” and turn it on.^[9]
6. 6
   Learn the hotkeys. Hotkeys are key combinations that, when pressed together, cause certain effects. These can open and close programs or windows, as well as several other functions. Some hotkeys are the same as previous versions of Windows and some new hotkeys have been added. There are many hotkeys, but here are a few useful ones:^[10]
   • ⌘ Win or the Windows button will bring you to the start menu.
   • ⌘ Win+typing will allow you to start searching for applications, programs, and files.
   • ⎋ Esc will cancel many actions.
   • ⌘ Win+X will allow access to many user commands.
   • ⌘ Win+L will switch users.
   • ⌘ Win+C will open the charms menu.
   • ⎇ Alt+Tab ↹ will switch between applications.
   • ⌘ Win+E opens the Windows or file explorer.