Windows 8 Technical Tips for Seniors in S.W. Ocala, FL
This page is saved for archival reference, as Windows 11 has now been released and Windows 12 is anticipated.
See: Windows 10 and 11 Books and References from Amazon
Using Windows 8 / 8.1 - Tutorial Topics
Customizable for
Beginning, Intermediate and Advanced Computer Users
This outline material is drawn from notes for Windows 8 classes I teach in senior communities.
I have posted it here for my computer help customers to use as checklists in identifying areas where you would like some help.
Navigation with Windows 8/8.1 – Finding your settings and controls
Requires moving between Desktop and tablet-style Start screen by dragging cursor to lower left corner of your screen
Search box and Shut Down features are top top of Start screen
Most Start Menu options from Windows 7 are accessed through a new set of icons in a pop-in screen (right hand edge of Start screen)
Best way to access settings and controls is through the Search box, either type in keywords from memory, or type in “Control Panel” to access familiar display
Use right-click option when possible to “Send” or “Pin” features you use frequently to the Start screen or the Task Bar
Customizing your desktop versus your Start screen
Windows 8 and 10 series however should allow “Send to: Desktop” option in Windows Explorer or File Explorer.
Customizing your browser
[ Use IE example (Firefox similar; Chrome: See top right) ]
Right click top area – Check standard menus to show
Right click to unlock, right click to relock
Menu bar – Tools: Internet Options:
Pull borders to expand browser screen size; Maximize
General – Set home page(s)
Privacy – Block pop-ups (enable)
Go to main sites (e.g. Search portal, Email website) and drag icon from address box down to Favorites Bar
Connecting devices and installing software
On connecting device or inserting software disk, click small rectangular window appearing briefly lower right
Select “Action” to take, typically “Run Setup” or “Play” or “View Files and Folders in Windows Explorer”
Printer installation –
Have printer set up first but not connected
Insert disk or find driver software through manufacturer site “Support”
Follow prompts for “Typical” or “Standard” installation
Connect printer if or when prompted
Communicating with Windows 8/8.1
Email –
Use “Webmail” (set up a link in browser, and/or on desktop) – This option leaves messages on external server for access from any device anywhere
and/or
Use a stand-alone email program – for example, Live Mail or Outlook – This option downloads messages to single computer and default is to delete from server.
Messaging:
Using Facebook – Messaging is done through the browser
Using AOL, Hotmail or Yahoo style messaging – Messenger applications load with Windows and appear in lower right icons
Using Skype – Loads with Windows and appears on task bar
Photo or File sharing
Sending by Email – Open to send New message, click on “clip”, browse for pictures (usually under “Pictures), click or “Open” to load into email message, and send
Sending from a pictures folder – e.g. Windows Explorer or Picassa – Right click for drop down menu, find “Send / Email”, select to send through your stand-alone email program or through a Picassa-facilitated email option like “Gmail”
Managing your files and folders
Windows Explorer – Learn its features
Use Folders and Sub-folders according to your needs
Left-Right Pane familiarity, folder expansion
Cut, Copy, Paste, Move, Drag-drop / CTL, Menu, R-click
Options: View Type; Show extensions
User folder (Libraries) versus general C:\ drive folders
Option – Indexing available to include file text content
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