Windows 8 tips, tweaks and new features

[dualmeister]

There are a few Windows 8 threads already, but I thought I would start one where users can share their tips, tweaks and favourite new features for Windows 8.

Please respect this thread. If you are tempted to post the usual "Windows 8 sucks", "Linux is better" comments, rather do so somewhere else. Let's try and keep this a constructive thread

Firstly, 2 of my favourite new features:

Built in support for ISO files

If you double click on an ISO file it loads it as a virtual drive (i.e. no need for Daemon Tools, MagicDisc ect)

Hyper-V / Virtual Machine support

Hyper-V / Virtual Machine support (from Windows 2008 Server) is awesome. No need to install VirtualBox or VMWare Workstation now. Also if you create Virtual Machine it can be migrated to another server. IT Pro's will appreciate this one in particular. The feature can be enabled under "Turn Windows features on and off".

Another new feature which looks interesting (although I have not tried it yet) is the Storage Spaces feature.

I also enjoy the SkyDrive integration.

Application issues

The only application that I've had to tweak a bit so far is Media Player Classic HC. At first it would not play, but after setting the DirectShow Video output to System Default it is working. I suspect it is because I am still using the built in ATI Radeon display driver.

Check out Windows 7 Hacker for a lot of cool Windows 8 Guides

Other MyBroadband related threads

Windows 8 Enterprise 90-day evaluation is available for developers
Windows 8 upgrade special pricing announced
Windows 8 leaked to torrents

 

[Grouter]

One thing I like about Win 8: You can read a PDF without having to install all the Adobe bloat.

 

[agentrfr]

Useful keyboard shortcuts:
Windows button + e -----> Opens explorer
Windows button + x ----> Utility programs like Task manager, network confic, control pannel etc.
Winows button + d ----> Takes you to the desktop from anywhere, even in metro (You can delete the pannel that usually takes you to desktop if you don't like it)
Windows button + c ----> Opens the fidly config window that shows up on the right of the screen when you wipe your mouse from the top or bottom right corner to middle right... useful for people with really sensitive mouses
Windows button + TAB ----> If you have aero enabled, does the same as alt tab, but prettier.


Windows key and Home
Clears all windows expect the current open one

Windows key and Space
Peek at the desktop by closing all open windows

Windows key and Up Arrow
Maximize the window

Windows key and Down Arrow
Minimize the window

Windows key and Left Arrow
Snap the window to the left side of the screen

Windows key and Right Arrow
Snap the window to the right side of the screen

Windows key and Shift and Left Arrow
If you’ve got dual monitors, this shortcut will move a window to the next screen on the left. Very flash!

Windows key and Shift and Right Arrow
Same as the above shortcut but for the right screen. Still quite flash!

Windows key and T
Opens a thumbnail preview of the application or window that is currently open

 

[rwenzori]

rm -r *

should do it.

 

[Capt Haddock]

Thanks for the keyboard shortcuts. It makes it easier for me to navigate Win8

 

[DA-LION-619]

 

[Flidiot]

I installed Win8 yesterday afternoon. Grabbed it from our MS Partner Site.

It's actually not as bad as I thought - the only thing that I am not crazy about is the new "start" menu. Would prefer that it starts at "all apps", can get used to it though. Will maybe check out the Classic Shell application to see what tweaks can make it more old-school.

My laptop feels nice and nippy though - that alone is a plus point.

 

[Browser]

One thing I like about Win 8: You can read a PDF without having to install all the Adobe bloat.

There are many good free pdf readers so it's not hard to avoid the Adobe reader.

 

[Grouter]

There are many good free pdf readers so it's not hard to avoid the Adobe reader.

True. But I like that MS Reader is built in to the OS. Long overdue IMO. But a person still needs Adobe installed for SARS' e-filing, so it's not such a win after all.

 

[Arthur]

I installed Win8 yesterday afternoon. Grabbed it from our MS Partner Site.

It's actually not as bad as I thought - the only thing that I am not crazy about is the new "start" menu. Would prefer that it starts at "all apps", can get used to it though.

After a month you'll wonder what all the fuss was about. My (few remaining) Win7 systems feel soo antique. Busy installing Win8Pro-32 on a lappie as we speak. Wiped RP, starting afresh.