Windows 8 Features
Introducing Windows 8Experience the beautiful, fast and fluid touch-friendly design for yourself. | |
 | Cloud connectivity• Network your settings: Settings and preferences on your internet-connected Dell PC with Windows 8 are available on every Windows 8 device you own. • Access content anywhere: Docs, calendars and other files are stored in the built-in SkyDrive® for cloud access. (Requires SkyDrive® account and 7GB* of hard drive space) • Work your way: Start one document on your portable Dell device, then open it from your desktop PC and finish it. No more cables or emailing files to yourself. |
| Apps for productivity • Streamline your work: Windows 8 apps work together to help you do more with just a simple tap or click. • Collaborate easily: Communicate right from your Start screen using Mail or Messenger apps. • Finding apps is easy: Discover new productivity apps with your Dell’s built-in Windows Store. Watch Video > |  |
 | Efficient from the start • Customize your PC or tablet: The new Windows 8 Start screen lets you put your most critical information front and center. • Always up to date: Connect your Dell Windows 8 device to the internet for real-time updates to calendar, email and more. Watch Video > Designed for touch • Work with a simple gesture: Windows 8 works with both Dell’s touch-enabled and non-touch PCs so you can interact quickly with content.• The choice is still yours: Dell offers several devices that flex between touch and keyboard use. Watch Video >
|
Optimized for business • Enhanced end-to-end security: Dell’s enterprise-grade security solutions are perfect for companies distributing devices to workers or implementing a bring-your-own-device program. • Manageability and virtualization: The trusted management and security features that millions of businesses depend on every day are built-in to Windows 8. • Made to travel: Dell laptops and tablets are designed to be sturdy and lightweight, enabling easy on-the-go work. |  |
 | Meet Internet Explorer® 10 • Search less, see more: IE 10 has been designed with a reduced browser and frame, so your content takes center stage. • Get big-time browsing: Searches feel cinematic on any size display, from a 23" Dell all-in-one to a 12" convertible Ultrabook™. |
Visit our support pages for detailed instructions on how to upgrade your current system to Windows 8.
Maximize Productivity and Security With Dell Services.
 | Easy migration for your organization The Windows XP era is ending. So when you’re ready to migrate to Windows 7 or Windows 8 rely on Dell to be your strategic partner. Why? • We are the top worldwide Windows 7 Enterprise deployment partner and can use our vast experience helping other customers to smooth your transition • We can reduce deployment costs with our unique Optimized Deployment Service Framework • And we have a full range of Windows 8 optimized devices, including the new Latitude™ and XPS™ tablets, laptops and the new OptiPlex™ all-in one touch desktop. Learn more about Windows 7 Solutions Learn more about Windows 8 Solutions |
 | Flexible growth across your business With services and solutions such as Optimized Deployment Service and Cloud Client Virtualization, Dell delivers the tools you need to grow your business. |
 | Maximize workforce productivity With end-to-end security services such as SecureWorks® and SonicWALL™, Dell is the perfect choice for organizations adopting a “bring your own device” policy. |
New Features of Windows 8
What are Charms?
Charms are a set of features that are located within the Start screen. To open the Charms menu, you can swipe in from the right edge of the screen. If you are using a mouse, point to the upper-right corner of the screen, then move the mouse pointer down. If you are using a multi-touch touchpad, place your finger to the right of your touchpad and swipe left onto the touchpad. Charms include Search, Share, Start, Devices and Settings.
What are Apps?
Windows 8 supports two types of applications.
- A Metro app is developed to run within the new Metro user interface.
- A desktop application is designed specifically to run on the desktop view.
What are Hot Corners?
Hot Corners are a new feature that allows you to hover your mouse on any of the four corners of the screen to initiate a shortcut.
When using Hot Corners, you need to remember to keep your mouse in the corner of the screen when selecting the Hot Corners to activate the shortcut.
- Hover your mouse over the top right or bottom right corners of the screen to be presented with the Charms shortcuts, where things like Search and Settings are.
- Hover your mouse over the top left or bottom left corners of the screen to be presented with the Switch List, where you can see your latest open apps and switch between them.
When using Hot Corners, you need to remember to keep your mouse in the corner of the screen when selecting the Hot Corners to activate the shortcut.
What is a Microsoft account and why should I set it up?
A Microsoft account is an email address and password that you use to sign in to Windows. We recommend that you create and use one. You can use any email address, but it is best if you choose the one you already use to communicate with friends and sign in to your favorite websites.
How do I create a Microsoft account?
- Open the Store app, swipe in from the right edge of the screen, and then select Settings. (If using a mouse, point to the upper-right corner of the screen, move the mouse pointer down and then select Settings. If you are using a multi-touch touchpad, place your finger to the right of your touchpad and swipe left onto the touchpad and select Settings.)
- Select Your account, select Sign in and then select Sign up for a Microsoft account.
There are many benefits to using a Microsoft account.
- You can reset your password online if you forget it. This is a major improvement over local accounts and you can avoid having to reinstall your operating system.
- Your PC is connected to the cloud.
- Your friends’ contact info and status automatically stay up to date from places like Hotmail, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn as soon as you connect those services to your Microsoft account.
- You can access and share your photos, docs and other files from places like SkyDrive, Facebook and Flickr.
- Your personal settings are synced to any PC running Windows® 8 that you sign in to, including your themes, language preferences, browser favorites and apps.
- You can get apps in the Windows Store and use them on any PC running Windows 8 that you sign in to.
The Basics – Start, Search, Email, Power Off, Control Panel
Where is the Start Button or the Start Menu?
The Start screen replaces the Start menu in Windows® 8. You can pin apps, contacts and websites to Start for easy access to what you use most. All of your apps — both apps you install from the Windows Store and desktop apps — are available from the Start screen. You can organize, group and name categories of applications. Tiles and notifications show what is new so you can get important information and updates at a glance.
You can easily get to Start by using the Windows key
on your keyboard. Also, you can get to the Start screen by swiping in from the right edge of your screen and tapping the Start charm or (by pointing your mouse to the upper-right corner of the screen and then select Start charm or if you are using a multi-touch touchpad, place your finger to the right of your touchpad and swipe left onto the touchpad and select Start).
You can easily get to Start by using the Windows key
on your keyboard. Also, you can get to the Start screen by swiping in from the right edge of your screen and tapping the Start charm or (by pointing your mouse to the upper-right corner of the screen and then select Start charm or if you are using a multi-touch touchpad, place your finger to the right of your touchpad and swipe left onto the touchpad and select Start).
How do I search?
You can search while you are in the Start screen by simply typing what you want to find.
You can also use the Search charm to search for apps, settings and files on your PC. The Search charm can also search within the app you have open or in a different app you select. For example, you can use the Search charm to search for a new app in the Store or for a contact in the People app.
To use the Search charm
You can also use the Search charm to search for apps, settings and files on your PC. The Search charm can also search within the app you have open or in a different app you select. For example, you can use the Search charm to search for a new app in the Store or for a contact in the People app.
To use the Search charm
- Swipe in from the right edge of the screen, and then tap Search.
If you are using a mouse, point to the upper-right corner of the screen, move the mouse pointer down and then select Search. Or, if you are using a multi-touch touchpad, place your finger to the right of your touchpad and swipe left onto the touchpad and select Search. - Enter your search term.
- To search for an app, settings or file on your PC, select Apps, Settings or Files. To search within a particular app, select the app in the list.
How do I add apps to Start?
Apps from the Windows Store are automatically pinned to Start when you install them. For all other apps, follow these instructions:
- Swipe from the right edge of the screen, and then select Search. If you are using a mouse, point to the upper right corner of the screen, move the mouse pointer down and then select Search. Or, if you are using a multi-touch touchpad place your finger to the right of your touchpad and swipe left onto the touchpad and select Search.
- Enter the app name or scroll until you find it.
- Swipe down or right click on the app to select it.
- Select Pin to Start.
How do I disable the Windows Experience user interface?
Windows 8 does not allow you to disable the Windows Experience user interface. The new Start screen has replaced the Start menu. There is a Desktop tile that will take you to a familiar Windows environment where you can use your desktop apps.
How do I add a new email account?
If you sign into Windows 8 using your Microsoft Account (Live ID) during setup, you will have everything set up for Hotmail and your email messages will appear in the Mail tile immediately when you log into the system.
If you do not use a Microsoft Account during setup, open the Mail app from Start. Swipe in from the right edge of your screen. If you are using a mouse, point to the upper right corner of the screen and move the mouse pointer down. Or, if you are using a multi-touch touchpad, place your finger to the right of your touchpad and swipe left onto the touchpad. Select Settings, select Accounts, select Add an Account and follow the instructions to set up your email account.
If you do not use a Microsoft Account during setup, open the Mail app from Start. Swipe in from the right edge of your screen. If you are using a mouse, point to the upper right corner of the screen and move the mouse pointer down. Or, if you are using a multi-touch touchpad, place your finger to the right of your touchpad and swipe left onto the touchpad. Select Settings, select Accounts, select Add an Account and follow the instructions to set up your email account.
How do I shut down or turn off my PC?
Swipe in from the right edge of the screen, opening the Charms menu and then select Settings.
If you are using a mouse, point to the upper-right corner of the screen, move the mouse pointer down and then select Settings. Or, if you are using a multi-touch touchpad, place your finger to the right of your touchpad and swipe left onto the touchpad and select Settings. Select Power, and then select Shut down.
If you are using a mouse, point to the upper-right corner of the screen, move the mouse pointer down and then select Settings. Or, if you are using a multi-touch touchpad, place your finger to the right of your touchpad and swipe left onto the touchpad and select Settings. Select Power, and then select Shut down.
Where is Control Panel?
In Windows® 8 there are a few different ways to find and change your settings: Control Panel, PC settings and Search. Most of the settings that you will want to change can be found in PC settings.
To open Control Panel:
- Swipe in from the right edge of the screen, and then select Search. If you are using a mouse, point to the lower-right corner of the screen, then select Search. Or, if you are using a multi-touch touchpad, place your finger to the right of your touchpad and swipe left onto the touchpad and select Search.
- Enter Control Panel in the search box, select Apps and then select Control Panel.
To open PC settings:
Swipe in from the right edge of the screen, select Settings and then select Change PC settings. If you are using a mouse, point to the upper-right corner of the screen, select Settings and then select Change PC settings. Or, if you are using a multi-touch touchpad, place your finger to the right of your touchpad and swipe left onto the touchpad, select Search and then select Change PC settings.To use Search:
To find individual tasks or settings quickly, use the Search charm. Swipe in from the right edge of the screen and then select Search. If you are using a mouse, point to the upper-right corner of the screen, move the mouse pointer down and then select Search. Or, if you are using a multi-touch touchpad, place your finger to the right of your touchpad, swipe left onto the touchpad and then select Search. Type a word or phrase into the search box and then select from the list of results on the left.Using Apps
How do I pin an app to Start?
- Swipe in from the right edge of the screen, and then select Search.
(If you are using a mouse, point to the lower-right corner of the screen, then select Search. Or, if you are using a multi-touch touchpad, place your finger to the right of your touchpad and swipe left onto the touchpad, then select Search). - Select the app icon you want to pin.
- Pull down on the icon (or right click) and a checkmark will appear on the icon.
- At the bottom of the screen, the option to Pin this app will appear.
- Select Pin to pin this app to Start.
How do I move between apps?
Swipe from the left side of the screen to get to the next open app (or by hovering over the upper left corner of the screen and moving the mouse pointer down until you see the thumbnail of the app you would like to select). You can also use the Windows and Tab key together to switch between apps.
How do I get help for my app?
If you are experiencing a technical problem with an app, you can contact the developer of the app for support. To view the developer's support information:
- Select the Store tile, go to the Learn More section of the page.
- Select App support to see the developer's support website or contact info.
How do I close an app?
Using a touch screen, touch the top of the screen and drag the app to the bottom of the screen.
Using a mouse, click the top of the app (your pointer will turn into a hand) and drag it to the bottom of the screen.
Using a mouse, click the top of the app (your pointer will turn into a hand) and drag it to the bottom of the screen.
How do I install an app from the Windows Store?
To install an app, follow these instructions:
- Open Start by swiping in from the right edge of the screen or, if you are using a mouse, point to the upper right corner of the screen and move the mouse pointer down. If you are using a multi-touch touchpad, place your finger to the right of your touchpad and swipe left onto the touchpad, and select Start.
- Select Store.
- Select an application, and then select Buy, Try or Install.
How do I show all my apps?
While on Start, swipe up from the bottom of the screen and select All Apps (or right click the screen until the App Bar appears. Select the All Apps button.)
I have an app from the Store but cannot find it on my PC. Where is it?
After apps are installed, a tile for the app appears on the Start screen. If you do not see the tile for an app, you can try searching for the app on your PC:
- Swipe in from the right edge of the screen, and then select Search.
(If using a mouse, point to the upper-right corner of the screen, and then select Search; or if you are using a multi-touch touchpad, place your finger to the right of your touchpad and swipe left onto the touchpad and select Search.) - Make sure the search is set to search Apps, and then enter the name of the app. If an app does not appear in the search results, you can reinstall it on your PC:
- Open Store, swipe in from the top edge of the screen and then select Your apps.
(If using a mouse, right-click, and then select Your apps.) - Swipe down on or right click the app you want to reinstall, and then select Install.
How do I manage my tiles on the Start screen?
You can create groups, show updates on tiles and move tiles around for better access to your favorite people, websites and more.
| What you can do | How to do it |
| How do I rearrange tiles? |
|
| How do I group tiles together ? |
|
| How do I name groups ? |
|
Using Charms
How do I connect to a Wireless Network?
Swipe in from the right edge of your screen to open the Charms bar or, if using a mouse, point to the upper right corner of the screen and move the mouse pointer down. If you are using a multi-touch touchpad, place your finger to the right of your touchpad and swipe left onto the touchpad. Select Settings, then Internet Access. Choose the network you would like to connect to.
How do I add a printer or other device?
Swipe in from the right edge of your screen to open the Charms bar or, if using a mouse, point to the upper right corner of the screen and move the mouse pointer down. If you are using a multi-touch touchpad, place your finger to the right of your touchpad and swipe left onto the touchpad. Select Settings, then Change PC Settings, then Devices and then Add a Device.
How do I view devices and printers?
View your devices by swiping in from the right edge of the screen (or if using a mouse, point to the upper right corner of the screen and move the mouse pointer down or if you are using a multi-touch touchpad, place your finger to the right of your touchpad and swipe left onto the touchpad). Select Device.
Also, you can view your devices by selecting the Control Panel tile, then select Hardware and Sound and Devices and Printers, and Add a device.
Also, you can view your devices by selecting the Control Panel tile, then select Hardware and Sound and Devices and Printers, and Add a device.
How do I print from a Windows Store?
Swipe in from the right edge of your screen to open the Charms bar, (or if using a mouse, point to the upper right corner of the screen and move the mouse pointer down). Select Devices, click on list of printers, select your printer and select Print. Or, from keyboard, hit Ctrl+P.
The Windows Store
Do I need a Microsoft account to use the Windows Store?
Yes, you will need to establish a Microsoft account to purchase or access apps through the Microsoft store. With a Microsoft account, you can see all of the applications you purchased from the Store and you can install any of those apps on up to five PCs. For more information, see: http://windows.microsoft.com/is-IS/windows-8/apps
How do I navigate through the Windows Store?
What is the Dell Store inside the Windows Store?
Within the Windows Store, Dell system owners can find the Dell Store. The Dell Store contains exclusive apps available only to Dell users, as well as recommended apps uniquely suited to making the experience of owning a Dell system even better.
