3 helpful tips for Windows 8

 Feb 05, 2014

Windows 8 was released in 2012 and offered users a completely redesigned operating system (OS). The new OS was developed taking into consideration touchscreen use and nearly immediate start up capabilities. It's expected that some users become overwhelmed with the new look and feel, but here are 3 tips and tricks that I've found quite useful when using Windows 8. 1. Multiple monitors with more flexibility If you have multiple monitors connected, you've doubtless noted that Windows extends your task bar across both screens. This is nice, but can we do more with this? The answer is yes. If you click the 'Windows+Page Up' keys on your keyboard, it will move your current app to your left monitor while 'Windows+Page Down' moves it to the right monitor. As seen in the image below, you can also select which wallpapers appear on each monitor. Simply go to your computer's 'Personalisation' settings, select the 'Desktop Background' option, and right-click on any individual wallpaper and choose which monitor you’d like it to appear on. Of course, if you like things the old fashion way, you can also turn off the dual task bar in the 'Task bar Properties.'

Tips in Windows 8

2. Hide recent files from your jump lists 'Jump lists' were a great addition in Windows 7, which helped increase efficiency, but their “Recent Items” feature created a privacy worry. Windows 8 enables you to modify your jump lists in a way that Windows 7 could not. For example, if there are documents or recently opened programs that you didn't want others to know you had viewed or used, Windows 8 gives you the option to hide them. To access these settings, simply right-click on the task bar, go to 'Properties' and click the 'Jump Lists tab.'

Tips in Windows 8

3. Take faster screenshots For an extensive time, Windows had a ridiculous screenshot shortcut in which you had to press 'Print Screen' on your keyboard then open up an application such as Paint and then paste in your screenshot from the clipboard. Now in Windows 8, if you click 'Windows+Print Screen', Windows will take a screenshot of your screen and automatically save it in your Pictures folder as a PNG file. It still isn't as potent as something like Skitch, but if you only need the infrequent screenshot, it’s wonderful to see a simpler shortcut built into the operating system.

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About the Author:

Barend Koekemoer  

Barend is one of New Horizon's highly experience IT Technical trainers with over 15 years of practical IT experience as well as experience in administrating, planning and executing projects and automation systems. He began his career in IT working for a South African government organisation and has since become a Microsoft Certified Trainer, Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate, Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist and a Microsoft Certified IT Professional.

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