Top Windows 8 tips and tricks

Customize your tiles

Windows 8 tilesMake the most of your Windows Start screen tiles by adjusting the sizes, where they are located, and what is listed.

•  Move any tile by clicking and dragging the tile. While moving a tile, if you need a larger view of the Start screen move the tile towards the top or bottom of the screen to zoom out.

•  Use your mouse wheel to scroll left-to-right through your tiles.

•  Any Desktop shortcut or program can be pinned to the Start screen by right-clicking the icon and choosing Pin to Start.

•  In the bottom right-hand corner of the start screen is a magnifying glass with tiles, click this icon to get a zoomed out view of your Start screen. In this view, if you right-click on a group of tiles you'll be given the option to name group, which can be useful if you have a group of related tiles (e.g. games). In this view, you can also click and drag a group to organize your tile groups.

• Create a new speed bump between tile groups by moving a tile to a speed bump.
• Resize any User tile or Live tile by right-clicking the tile and choosing resize.

• If there is a tile you want on your Taskbar, right-click the tile and choose Pin to taskbar. 

• Show admin applications on the Start screen by clicking Settings in Charms, click Settings, and change the Show administrative tools from No to Yes.

• In Internet Explorer 10, you can also pin any of your favorite web pages to your Start Screen.

Windows 8 keyboard shortcuts

 Knowing at least some of the Windows 8 keyboard shortcuts will make your Windows 8 experience much more enjoyable. Try to memorize these top Windows 8 shortcut keys.

•     Press the Windows key to open the Start screen or switch to the Desktop (if open).

•     Press the Windows key + D will open the Windows Desktop.

•     Press the Windows key + . to pin and unpin Windows apps on the side of the screen.

•     Press the Windows key + X to open the power user menu, which gives you access to many of the features most power users would want (e.g. Device Manager and Command Prompt).

•     Press the Windows key + C to open the Charms.

•     Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings, which is the same Settings found in       Charms.

•     Press and hold the Windows key + Tab to show open apps.

•     Press the Windows key + Print screen to create a screen shot, which is automatically saved into your My Pictures folder.

Microsoft Windows shortcut keys

Below is a listing of all the major Windows shortcut keys for all versions of Microsoft Windows. If you're looking for shortcut keys for Windows programs see our other computer keyboard shortcuts.

General Windows keyboard shortcuts
Windows function key shortcuts
Windows keyboard key shortcuts
How to navigate Windows using a keyboard
Other computer keyboard shortcuts

General Windows keyboard shortcuts

Alt + Tab

Switch between open applications in all versions of Windows. Reverse the direction by pressing Alt + Shift + Tab at the same time.

Ctrl + Tab

Switches between program groups, tabs, or document windows in applications that support this feature. Reverse the direction by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Tab at the same time.

Alt + double-click

Display the properties of the object you double-click on in Windows 95 and later. For example, doing this on a file would display its properties.

Alt + Print Screen

Create a screen shot only for the active program window in all versions of Windows. For example, if you opened the calculator and did this only the calculator window would be created as a screen shot. If just the Print Screen key is pressed the whole screen will be made into a screen shot.

Ctrl + Alt + Del

Open the Windows option screen for locking computer, switching user, Task Manager, etc. in later versions of Windows. Pressing Ctrl+Alt+Del multiple times will reboot the computer.

Ctrl + Shift + Esc

Immediately bring up the Windows Task Manager in Windows 2000 and later.

Ctrl + Esc

Open the Windows Start menu in most versions of Windows. In Windows 8 this will open the Start screen and in Windows 3.x this would bring up the Task Manager.

Alt + Esc

Switch between open applications on Taskbar in Windows 95 and later.

Alt + Space bar

Drops down the window control menu for the currently open Windows program in Windows 95 and later.

Alt + Enter

Opens properties window of selected icon or program in Windows 95 and later.

Alt + Space bar

Open the control menu for the current window open in all versions of Windows.

Shift + Del

Will delete any file or other object without throwing it into the Recycle Bin in Windows 95 and later.

Hold down the Shift key

When putting in an audio CD or other CD that uses Autoplay, holding down the Shift key will prevent that CD from playing.

Windows function key shortcuts

 

Below is a listing of keyboard shortcuts that use the keyboard function keys. See our what are F1 through F12 keys page for a full listing of what function keys do with all other programs.

F1

Activates help for current open application. If you're at the Windows Desktop, this will activate the help for Windows.

F2

Renames a highlighted icon, file, or folder in all versions of Windows.

F3

Starts find or search when at the Windows Desktop in all versions of Windows.

F4

In Windows 95 and later this opens the drive selection or address bar when browsing files in Windows Explorer.

• Pressing Alt + F4 closes the current open program window without a prompt in all versions of Windows.
• Pressing Ctrl + F4 closes the open window within the current active window in Microsoft Windows. This will only work in programs that support multiple windows or tabs in the same program window.

F6

While in Windows Explorer, this will move the cursor to different Windows Explorer pane or in Windows 7 browse available drives.

F8

Pressing F8 over and over as the computer is booting will start the computer in Safe Mode.

F10

Activates the File menu bar in all versions of Windows.

• Simulates a right-click on selected item. This is useful if right-click is difficult or impossible using the mouse.

Windows keyboard key shortcuts

Below is a listing of Windows keys that can be used on computers running a Microsoft Windows 95 or later and using a keyboard with a Windows key. In the below list of shortcuts, the Windows key is represented by "WINKEY" and because not all these shortcuts will work in all versions of Windows we've mentioned what versions of Windows support each Windows key shortcut key.

 

All versions of Windows

WINKEY

Pressing the Windows key alone will open or hide the Windows Start menu. In Windows 8, this will open or hide the Start screen.

WINKEY + F1

Open the Microsoft Windows help and support center.

WINKEY + Pause / Break key

Open the System Properties window.

WINKEY + D

Opens the Desktop to the top of all other windows.

WINKEY + E

Open Microsoft Windows Explorer.

WINKEY + F

Display the Windows Search or Find feature.

WINKEY + Ctrl + F

Display the search for computers window.

WINKEY + L

Lock the computer and switch users if needed (Windows XP and above only).

WINKEY + M

Minimizes all windows.

WINKEY + Shift + M

Undo the minimize done by WINKEY + M and WINKEY + D.

WINKEY + R

Open the run window.

WINKEY + U

Open Utility Manager or the Ease of Access Center.

Windows XP only

 

WINKEY + Tab

Cycle through open programs through the Taskbar.

Windows 7 and 8 only

 

WINKEY + 1-0

Pressing the Windows key and any of the top row number keys from 1 to 0 will open the program corresponding to the number of icon on the Taskbar. For example, if the first icon on the Taskbar was Internet Explorer pressing WINKEY + 1 would open that program or switch to it if already open.

WINKEY + (Plus (+) or Minus (-))

Open Windows Magnifier and zoom in with the plus symbol (+) and zoom out with the minus symbol (-).

• Press the WINKEY + ESC to close the Magnifier

WINKEY + Home

Minimize all windows except the active window.

WINKEY + P

Change between the monitor and projection display types or how second screen displays computer screen.

WINKEY + T

Set the focus on the Taskbar icons

WINKEY + Left arrow

Shrinks the window to 1/2 screen on the left side for side by side viewing.

WINKEY + Right arrow

Shrinks the window to 1/2 screen on the right side for side by side viewing.

WINKEY + Up arrow

When in the side by side viewing mode, this shortcut takes the screen back to full size.

WINKEY + Down arrow

Minimizes the screen.  Also, when in the side by side viewing mode, this shortcut takes the screen back to a minimized size.

Windows 8 only

WINKEY + ,

Peek at the Windows Desktop.

WINKEY + .

Snap a Windows App to the sides of the screen. Pressing it multiple times will switch between the right and left-hand side of the screen or unsnap the app.

WINKEY + Enter

Open Windows Narrator

WINKEY + C

Open the Charms.

WINKEY + G

Cycle through Desktop gadgets.

WINKEY + H

Open Share in Charms.

WINKEY + I

Open the Settings in Charms.

WINKEY + J

Switch between snapped apps.

WINKEY + K

Open Devices in Charms.

WINKEY + O

Lock the screen orientation.

WINKEY + X

Open the power user menu, which gives you access to many of the features most power users would want to use such as Device Manager, Control Panel, Event Viewer, Command Prompt, and much more.

Know your hot corners

The corners on your screen are hot corners and give you access to different Windows features. Below, is a brief explanation of each of these corners.

Bottom Left-hand corner

The bottom left-hand hot corner of the screen will allow you to access the Start screen, if you're in the Start screen and have the Desktop open, this corner will open the Desktop from the Start screen.

Tip: Right-clicking in the left hand corner will open the power user menu.

Top-left corner of the screen

Moving the mouse to the top-left corner and then down will display all the apps running on the computer. Clicking and dragging any of these apps to the left or right-hand side of the screen will snap that app to that side of the screen. Each of these open app icons can also be right-clicked to close or snap.

Right-hand side of the screen

On the full right-hand side of the screen will be given access to the Windows Charms.

Taking advantage of search

 

The Search in Windows 8 has been significantly improved when compared to all previous versions of Windows. To search for a file or run a program in Windows 8 from the Start screen just start typing what you're trying to find or want to run.

As you begin typing, the results will start appearing on the left-hand side. In addition to being able to search for files and run programs, the Search also supports limiting the search to apps such as Finance, People, Maps, Photos, Mail, Music, Videos, Weather, and much more. If what you are searching for is not a file or program, click on the app you wish to use as the search. For example, if you were searching for "New York" and selected the Weather App you would be shown the weather in New York, NY.

By default, Search organizes the available Apps by how frequently they are used and then in alphabetical order. If you want to keep your favorite app at the top of the Search list, right-click the app and choose Pin. Pinning the app will lock it in place regardless of how often it is used. If there is an app you don't want (e.g. Finance) you can turn on and off any of the search apps through the PC settings, which is found under the Settings in the Charms.

Bonus tip: The Search is also found through Charms and can also be opened by pressing Windows key + F.

Running two apps side by side

Any app can be pinned to the left or right-hand side of the screen. For example, open the People app and then press the Windows Key + . (period) to move that app to the right-hand side of the screen, pressing the same keys again will move it to the left-hand side, and pressing the same keys again will make it full screen. While an app is pinned, any other app or program can be opened and loaded into the available space on the screen. For example, in the below picture, we've opened a browser window and have the People app running to monitor our social networks.

Any open app can also be pinned using your mouse by clicking at the top of the tile and dragging it to the left or right-hand side of the screen.

Bonus tip: The Desktop can also be pinned to the left or right-hand side of the screen.

Note: In order for snap to work properly your resolution must be at least 1,366 x 768.

Windows 8 Task Manager

The Windows 8 Task Manager has been significantly improved over previous versions of Windows. Some of the new changes include showing a total percent usage at the top of your Processes, which makes it easier to determine total memory and CPU usage, improved Performance graphs, a Startup tab to see startup processes and their impact to system performance, and the App history tab (as shown below) that gives you the total resources an app has used over a period of time. Press  

Ctrl + Shift + Esc to start exploring the new Task Manager.

Use a picture password to log into your computer

Windows 8 includes a new feature called Picture password, which allows you to authenticate with the computer using a series of gestures that include circles, straight lines, and taps. Enable this feature if you want a new way to access your computer or have a hard time with passwords.

1. Open the Windows Charms.
2. Click Settings and then More PC settings
3. In the PC settings window click Users and then select Create a picture password

Bonus tip: A four digit pin password can also be created and used to access your computer.

BIOS Update AMI , Award , Phoenix

This BIOS Update documentation will demonstrate how to update a computer’s BIOS that may be required in order to fix computer bugs or add new features to your system. It is important that you have a specific reason for updating your BIOS, doing so when there is no need is an unwanted risk that should not be taken into consideration. Usually, a motherboard or computer manufacturer will tell you if an update for your system is required. Additionally, if you have a greater knowledge of your PC and want to modify your BIOS to achieve a specific goal, consider making an inquiry in our Forum.

The first thing to identify when updating your BIOS is what platform you’re system uses; the most common being Award, AMI, and Phoenix, which we will go into further detail later.

To identify what platform your BIOS uses, check to see if any of these logos appear on bootup:

If none of these images help you identify your motherboard BIOS company, the easiest way to check this information is use identification tools like Everest or CPUID, or simply consult your manual or OEM manufacturer.

After you have determined the BIOS type, you can use the correct corresponding methods listed below. We will also review situations where the manufacturer provides the easy “one click” solution.
The “One Click” Solution: This is a term that refers to computer companies that package BIOS updates that are designed to be run in windows without any hassle. If you are simply trying to update to the latest BIOS released from a computer manufacturer and are not computer savvy, please download the package found on your support page (only applies for prebuilt systems!) A generic list of links to support pages is listed below:

Acer | ASUS | Dell | eMachines | Gateway | HP | Lenovo | Toshiba

If you don’t fall under the one click cattegory, then its time to prepare a bootable USB drive that we will use to boot DOS. This is needed to run the FLASH routine.

Download the HP USB disk format tool and install it here

Once installed, open the utility and select the USB to format. Below, tick the bubble for creating an MSDOS startup disk. It will then want you to point it to a DOS image folder. You will need to download and unzip this DOS image (do NOT use your own DOS image) here Once it has completed formating your drive, open up the USB in My Computer. Verify that there are only three files on the USB, making sure to unhide protected operating system files in explorer to see them. If you see three DOS files, you are ready for the next phase.
Then, copy the BIOS update image that you want to update. (If you are unsure of where to get this, please post in our forums) For the award platform the bios file should be named bios.bin; for AMI name it bios.rom; and for the Phoenix BIOS bios.bin
The final preparation stage needed for our USB is the flash utlity itself, which varies according to the platform. According to your platform, download the appropriate utility to your flash drive below.

Award BIOS= Award Flash

AMI BIOS= AFUDOS

Phoenix BIOS= PHLASH

Finally, reboot and select your USB as your boot DOS. Then, enter the following command based on your BIOS: (for a complete list of switches, consult our forums)

AWARD= awdflash  bios.bin  /py /sn /f /cc /r

AMI= afudos bios.rom /P /B /N /C /E /K /Q /REBOOT

PHOENIX=phlash bios.bin

While the update is in proccess, do NOT touch your keyboard or turn off your PC. Avoid doing this while there is a possibility of a power outage as well.
If you followed all of these steps correctly, then your computer will successfully reboot with the updated BIOS!


AMI Bios flash tool - AFUDOS.EXE 
 

Here's the command line syntax for AFUDOS.EXE "AMI FLASH UTILITY for DOS". Type these commands just like you see them, while replacing "mybios.rom" with the name of the file and ext you are trying to flash. This should help alot of people struggling with understanding how to type these commands properly.

Display ROM file's ROM ID

Code:

afudos mybios.rom /U

Save current system BIOS ROM into disk

Code:

afudos mybios.rom /O

AFUDOS Help

Code:

afudos /h

Update Boot Block only

Code:

afudos mybios.rom /B

Update main BIOS image only

Code:

afudos mybios.rom /P

Update NVRAM only

Code:

afudos mybios.rom /N

Update Embedded Controller Block only

Code:

afudos mybios.rom /E

Update Embedded Controller Block if newer version is detected

Code:

afudos mybios.rom /ECUF

Update 2nd non-critical block only

Code:

afudos mybios.rom /K2

Update main BIOS image, Boot Block and NVRAM at once

Code:

afudos mybios.rom /P /B /N

Update whole BIOS ROM

Code:

afudos mybios.rom /P /B /N /C /E /K

Update whole BIOS ROM and load current CMOS optimal settings

Code:

afudos mybios.rom /P /B /N /C /E /K /L0

Update whole BIOS without checking ROM ID <-Don't use unless your sure

Code:

afudos mybios.rom /P /B /N /C /E /K /X

Update whole BIOS with quiet execution

Code:

afudos mybios.rom /P /B /N /C /E /K /Q

Update whole BIOS in quiet mode and REBOOT quietly

Code:

afudos mybios.rom /P /B /N /C /E /K /Q /REBOOT

Update BootBlock MAC address<-Used for changing MAC if your mobo has onboard Ethenet that supports the option to boot from network

Code:

c:\>afudos /M "MAC_ADDRESS"

Update whole BIOS and BootBlock MAC address<-Used for changing MAC if your mobo has onboard Ethenet that supports the option to boot from network

Code:

afudos mybios.rom /P /B /N /C /E /K /M "MAC_ADDRESS"

Update whole BIOS except existing SMBIOS structures<-this prevents overwriting current DMI and CIM data in the bios

Code:

afudos mybios.rom /P /B /N /C /E /K /R

Update whole BIOS but preserve SMBIOS type 0 and 11<-this prevents overwriting current DMI and CIM data at specific locations in the bios

Code:

afudos mybios.rom /P /B /N /C /E /K /R0 /R11

Chameleon theme for win8

This is a really nice looking and have glass effect!

 How to Install this Theme?

You need to copy Chameleon theme in C:\Windows\Resources\Themes

For using this theme first you need to Patch Uxtheme. 

 Download  Mirror: 

Easily Repair all Your Internet Connection Problems using Complete Internet Repair

Complete Internet Repair is a small utility application that can repair all your Internet connection and Network related problems easily with just one click.


You don’t need to install this application because Complete Internet repair is portable. You can easily take this application in USB drive to fix your Internet problems. This Applications won’t change any registry settings and don’t leave any error traces on your computer. It will only fix your internet connection problems  Just Download this Complete repair Internet Application and keep it safe in your computer. So that you can use this Repair program, when you have the problem with your Internet connection.

Complete Internet Repair could resolve following Internet problems:

• Internet or network problem after removing adware, spyware, virus, worm, Trojan horse, etc.
• Loss network connection after installing/uninstalling adware, spyware, antispam, vpn, firewall or other networking programs.
• Unable to access any webpage or can only access some webpages.
• Pop-up error window with network related problem description.
• No network connectivity due to registry errors.
• DNS lookup problem.
• Fail to renew the network adapter’s IP address or other DHCP errors.
• Network connectivity issue with limited or no connections message.
• Windows update does not work
• You are having problems connecting to secured websites (ex. Banking).
• Internet Explorer stopped working or crashes all the time.
• Other networking problems.

Complete Internet Repair 1.3.2.1322 is only 447 Kb. It supports Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7 and Windows 8.

How to Get Full Aero Glass Transparency in Windows 8 easily

Windows 8 a new Modern Operating System from Microsoft has gaining popularity day by day. So far Windows 8 has mixed response from the end users. Because Microsoft has removed many the classic
In this Article I’m going to discuss about How to get the Windows 7 Aero Glass Transparency in Windows 8.

Now you can get windows Aero Glass Transparency in Windows 8 by using the ‘WinaeroGlass’  which is a free Portable Application. Actually this Winaeroglass app enables the default built-in Transparency effect in Windows and makes that permanent. This program uses very low resources and runs in background and won’t reduce your Windows 8 Performance and speed.


Just download the Application and run the app using the Exe file. That’s it now you will get Aero glass transparency in Windows 8. This Application has no user interface, so that you won’t get any windows for changing transparency options etc..
So if you want to close the application you need to log off your PC or you have to end the Winaeroglass process using the taskmanager.
Stay tune for more updates from this app.

 | 14Kb | Free

Transform Windows 8 to Equinox Skin Pack

Transform Windows 8 to Equinox

Download
X64: Download
X86: Download

MEDIAFIRE :    CLICK TO DOWNLOAD

  Note : Skin Packs installer have easy and safe install option , Please unistall old or other version of skin packs before install new version. Before install close all runnig program , after finish restart your system.

Support:
Windows 8 – [X86_X64] – [All Language] – [All Version]

God Mode in Windows 8- Secret Code Folder For All Settings at One Place

God Mode isn’t new; it was discovered in Windows 7 itself. It is a secret folder or better I’d say a hidden feature in Windows 8. It enables you to access all settings and controls at one place and hence the name- God mode. Here is how to get inside God Mode folder in Windows 8 with a secret code.

Creating God mode folder is just like any other folder. You just need to create a new folder and add Gode mode to it.

God Mode Code for Windows 8

.{ED7BA470-8E54-465E-825C-99712043E01C}

For example: Create a new folder and rename it to God Mode.{ED7BA470-8E54-465E-825C-99712043E01C}. You will notice that it is no more a normal folder but its icon has changed which looks like Control Panel.

Open it to access God Mode folder of Windows 8.



Just like God, you have full control over Windows 8 system settings from here. May be managing sound devices, adding a startup item or editing group policy or even as simple as changing Date and Time.


Folder shows a loong list of settings name categorized under sub-headings. How to find a specific settings of windows 8 in God Mode? I would recommend using the search box to find the thing you are looking for instead of browsing the list.


Type which setting you want to access or what you want to change in search box on upper right corner. List will now show settings restricted to your keyword only. This makes it easy to work.

Here, you get control on 254 setting items which covers almost all areas.

Getting Started: Your Guide to Windows 8

1. On Windows 8 Installation
Installation of Windows 8 from disc is remarkably straightforward. As long as your system hardware meets the minimum
requirements, you should have little problem running the installer.
Processor: 1 GHz (with PAE, NX and SSE2 support) either 32-bit or 64-bit
Memory: 1 GB 2 GB
Graphics Card: DirectX 9 graphics device with WDDM 1.0 or higher driver
Storage: 20 GB
The process is very similar to Windows 7. To begin with, the language preferences are set early on, and after clicking
Install Now, you will be prompted for the product key, and required to agree to the Microsoft license.
After this, you will need to choose between an upgrade and a custom install. If you’re installing from scratch, use the
second option; the location for installing the new OS can be set with ease (assuming the device or partition is fast
enough).
A green bar will chart the installation’s progress, and when almost done you will be prompted to make some personalization
choices. Your favoured background colour and a name for your PC should be selected, while you will be given
a choice between Use express settings and Customize when the installer comes to setup automatic updates, personalise
apps, enable sharing and more. The second option is better if you prefer to configure these settings yourself.
You will then be prompted to sign into Windows 8, using either a Windows email account or a local account. Either can
be created as long as the computer is online. Once this is done, Windows 8 will prepare itself for first use.
2 Upgrading from Previous Windows Versions
 
2.1Windows XP
Of course, you might not be installing from scratch. If you already have a fully functioning computer then you will prefer
to upgrade your current version of Windows.
Upgrading from Windows Vista and 7 is straightforward; upgrading from Windows XP isn’t.
It would be foolish to attempt either type of upgrade without backing up all vital data on your computer, but in the case
of Windows XP it really is a case of making an archive, wiping your hard disk drive and then using the steps above
for a clean install. Once this has been done, you can manually restore your vital data back to Windows 8 in Desktop
mode, where you will be able to access the user libraries (Documents, Pictures, Music, etc.) that were introduced in
Vista.
2.2 Windows Vista and Windows 7
It’s a little easier installing Windows 8 with onto a Vista/7 computer due in the main to the similarities between the
three operating systems.
Again, the steps in Appendix 1 should be followed, but instead of choosing the custom install, select Upgrade. However
it cannot be repeated enough – backup your data before performing the upgrade, as failures in the installation
can happen, something that might leave your computer unable to boot.

Download Link : 

Windows 8 for Dummies

About the Author

Andy Rathbone started geeking around with computers
in 1985 when he bought a 26-pound portable
CP/M Kaypro 2X. Like other nerds of the day,
he soon began playing with null-modem adapters,
dialing computer bulletin boards, and working
part-time at Radio Shack.
He wrote articles for various techie publications
before moving to computer books in 1992. He’s written
the Windows For Dummies series, Upgrading &
Fixing PCs For Dummies, TiVo For Dummies, PCs: The
Missing Manual, and many other computer books.
Today, he has more than 15 million copies of his
books in print, and they’ve been translated into
more than 30 languages. You can reach Andy at his
website, www.andyrathbone.com.

Download Link: