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Windows 8 / RT |OT|

I tried Windows 8 out for the first time today at Best Buy, and I came away extremely impressed. I actually love the Start screen, it's much more functional to me than a standard desktop considering the desktop is really just a wall of icons. The OS itself is beautiful too with all of the built in apps. I wasn't planning on upgrading but I might now that I've had some time with it.
 

StudioTan

Hold on, friend! I'd love to share with you some swell news about the Windows 8 Metro UI! Wait, where are you going?
-OneNoteMX
-Netflix
-Skype
-Wikipedia
-TuneIn Radio
-Wordament
-Smartglass
-Reader
-Cocktail Flow
-Rowi

That's a good list. I'd add AllRecipies and Star Chart.
 

Esiquio

Member
So I have legit keys for two version of Windows 7 Professional, but I am running on a 32-bit machine right now and wanted a fresh install of Windows 8 Professional 64-bit. So I take one of my spare partitions and wiped it and installed Windows 7 Professional 64-bit on it, because the Upgrade Assistant won't let you upgrade from 32-bit to 64-bit, and well, I want a fresh install anyways. I got a legit ISO from My Digital River (the host that MS uses), and made a point of NOT entering my legit Windows 7 Professional key, just to see what would happen.

I then downloaded the Upgrade Assistant for Windows 8 and was at the screen to buy it for $39.99...but then I stumbled upon a webpage that allows you to get Windows 8 for $14.99 if you recently bought a PC with Windows 7...this site does not ask for any serial numbers or anything, which is strange.

https://www.windowsupgradeoffer.com/

Fill out the info, with ANYTHING YOU WANT (I entered legit stuff), and it will send you a promo code. I entered this at the screen in the Upgrade Assistant where you finalize your purchase, and it worked and instantly applied! I then made the purchase and was given a fresh Product Key.

tl;dr version: Anyone can download a legit digital copy of Windows 7 for free, fill out the information on the site linked above, and basically buy Windows 8 for $15. I'm downloading Windows 8 as we speak.
 

Exuro

Member
is it me or does netflix app not have a search?
You have to use the charms search. Would be nice to being able to just type on the main screen to search.

Would also be nice if it had it's own volume control. Ads have them but actual apps don't >_>
 

SeanR1221

Member
Gchat in Gmail via IE goes offline when IE is not on screen. Metro Chrome doesn't do this.

I don't use gchat but I can understand that would be annoying.

Question about Obly Tile. I seem to only be able to make small tiles. I want to make a big tile for the pule webpage.

So I'm warming up to the laptop more. How is security on windows now? Coming from OS X I barely had to worry about installing harmful software. I know anything from the windows store is good, but should I install some type of security?

Also, are the apps in the windows store ONLY for the RT mode? Or do they have apps that will run on desktop mode?
 

Wazzim

Banned
I just tried to play a youtube video and I'm getting no sound?

Known bug, several other members had the same problem.

I don't use gchat but I can understand that would be annoying.

Question about Obly Tile. I seem to only be able to make small tiles. I want to make a big tile for the pule webpage.

So I'm warming up to the laptop more. How is security on windows now? Coming from OS X I barely had to worry about installing harmful software. I know anything from the windows store is good, but should I install some type of security?

Also, are the apps in the windows store ONLY for the RT mode? Or do they have apps that will run on desktop mode?

Security is fine, just don't download something suspicious ("FreePorn.exe"). You don't have to install anything since you already have Windows Defender.

Some apps in the store are desktop apps (like µTorrent).
 
You have to use the charms search. Would be nice to being able to just type on the main screen to search.

Would also be nice if it had it's own volume control. Ads have them but actual apps don't >_>

oh thanks. that work. and the movies i watch show a volume icon lol.
 
Alright guys so what are your top 10 favorite metro apps so far?

I need to get the Windows Store OT ready.

OneNote MX (because it's great with touch)
Skype (because it's pretty)
Wordament (because it's awesome)

I don't think there are more apps on the store yet.
 

f0lken

Member
I don't use gchat but I can understand that would be annoying.

Question about Obly Tile. I seem to only be able to make small tiles. I want to make a big tile for the pule webpage.

So I'm warming up to the laptop more. How is security on windows now? Coming from OS X I barely had to worry about installing harmful software. I know anything from the windows store is good, but should I install some type of security?

Also, are the apps in the windows store ONLY for the RT mode? Or do they have apps that will run on desktop mode?

Windows 8 comes with antivirus integrated, its light and non intrusive, and some apps in the store are for desktop they even have the label "desktop app" on them but ther are very few of them, one thing is that you don't buy these programs from the store, instead you are redirected to the program's website
 
Is it normal to be using more RAM with 8 compared to 7? I'm using around 1.8-2GB when just browsing the net with things like Steam, Tweetdeck and other stuff like that running in the background, when in 7 I'd be using like 1.2-1.5GB or so instead. This is without Metro apps running. I'm on 64-bit, same as I was with 7.

Not a major deal, just wondering.
 
Is it normal to be using more RAM with 8 compared to 7? I'm using around 1.8-2GB when just browsing the net with things like Steam, Tweetdeck and other stuff like that running in the background, when in 7 I'd be using like 1.2-1.5GB or so instead. This is without Metro apps running. I'm on 64-bit, same as I was with 7.

Not a major deal, just wondering.

i'm at like 2.5
 

hadareud

The Translator
Is it normal to be using more RAM with 8 compared to 7? I'm using around 1.8-2GB when just browsing the net with things like Steam, Tweetdeck and other stuff like that running in the background, when in 7 I'd be using like 1.2-1.5GB or so instead. This is without Metro apps running. I'm on 64-bit, same as I was with 7.

Not a major deal, just wondering.

Definitely not normal, it should be the other way around.
 

SeanR1221

Member
Very cool, thanks guys.

Another question (Sorry for so many!) is the only way to see ALL your apps, is to go to the start menu, go to search and then click apps?

Im so glad I got a touch screen laptop. I feel like half the enjoyment in Windows 8 is the touch part.
 

itsgreen

Member
So I have legit keys for two version of Windows 7 Professional, but I am running on a 32-bit machine right now and wanted a fresh install of Windows 8 Professional 64-bit. So I take one of my spare partitions and wiped it and installed Windows 7 Professional 64-bit on it, because the Upgrade Assistant won't let you upgrade from 32-bit to 64-bit, and well, I want a fresh install anyways. I got a legit ISO from My Digital River (the host that MS uses), and made a point of NOT entering my legit Windows 7 Professional key, just to see what would happen.

I then downloaded the Upgrade Assistant for Windows 8 and was at the screen to buy it for $39.99...but then I stumbled upon a webpage that allows you to get Windows 8 for $14.99 if you recently bought a PC with Windows 7...this site does not ask for any serial numbers or anything, which is strange.

https://www.windowsupgradeoffer.com/

Fill out the info, with ANYTHING YOU WANT (I entered legit stuff), and it will send you a promo code. I entered this at the screen in the Upgrade Assistant where you finalize your purchase, and it worked and instantly applied! I then made the purchase and was given a fresh Product Key.

tl;dr version: Anyone can download a legit digital copy of Windows 7 for free, fill out the information on the site linked above, and basically buy Windows 8 for $15. I'm downloading Windows 8 as we speak.

Yeah I tried this but they keep asking me for my serial what brand did you try?
 
ibcACc4CUnyG87.png

I assume this image is 1200 pixels high (or is it 1440) and if it is 1200p then how do you get 7 tile rows instead of 6?
 

f0lken

Member
Very cool, thanks guys.

Another question (Sorry for so many!) is the only way to see ALL your apps, is to go to the start menu, go to search and then click apps?

Im so glad I got a touch screen laptop. I feel like half the enjoyment in Windows 8 is the touch part.

Right click or swipe up in the start screen ---> All apps
 

Lynn616

Member
Weird, IE 10 Metro is gone. No live tile. Not listed in All Apps. If I open a web link from my email IE 10 Metro will open but that is all.

Edit:

I fixed it.
 
Dumb question time guys. I have 2 internal HDD's. If I clean install Win 8 on my primary drive, will I still have access to all the files on the secondary drive or is 8 going to force me to format it. I recall when I first installed it, Win 7 didn't recognize it and I had to create and format it in Disk Managements.

There is no such thing is a dumb question ;)

But Windows 8 isn't going to force you to format another drive...

I have an SSD (Win 8 fresh install), two HDD's and an RAID Array and both HDD's and the RAID Array retained all their data...

Be careful as sometime an OS will not install on certain drives because the bios won't allow them to be bootable (typically because of which controller or port they're connected to) even though it lets you format and partition them.
 

Windu

never heard about the cat, apparently
Tips (READ THE OP) http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?t=496288
  • before install, set up your Microsoft account. account.live.com (add facebook, twitter, etc..etc..) So when you log in for the first time all of your stuff is set up. (for the most part).
  • $14.99 upgrade. WindowsUpgradeOffer.com For PCs bought after June. No Verification required, so lie. (need 7, vista or xp installed) (you get the key before you actually do the installation, so if you have a windows 8 install that isn't activated, use that key.) (upgrade = 1 license per device) (remember to install all of the updates after install, settings (right bar)- pc settings-windows update)
requirements
Home Button
  • Windows Key = Your Home Button. Always goes back to the Start Screen and the Previous application.
Where is the desktop?
  • Click the desktop tile. same as 7, just the start menu is now full screen.
How to shut down
  • power button - search "power button" and filter by settings. click "change what the power buttons do".
  • settings - mouse over to the bottom or top right, click settings-power. (charms bar win+c, settings win+i).
  • ctrl-alt-delete - power in the bottom right
  • alt-f4 - click on the desktop and then press those keys.
How to search
  • Start Screen - start typing then filter it by apps, settings, files and metro apps.
  • Desktop - Win Key + start typing then " " (example, winkey + "notepad" enter will open notepad.)
  • Win Q - App Search
  • Win W - Settings Search
  • Win F - File Search
  • Use Search - Want to change the mouse speed? search mouse speed, filter by settings. want to see how much ram you have? search ram, filter by settings. want to find out how to shut down the pc?....search turn off pc.
  • how do I search the store. search like above and choose the store app or start typing on the store home page
Task Switcher
  • Mouse - Mouse to the top or bottom left and move up/down.
  • Win+Tab - cycles through all metro applications plus the desktop (treats it as one application)
  • Alt+Tab - cycles through all metro applications and all desktop applications. (use this instead).
  • Cycle Through apps by clicking in the top left
Bottom Left
  • Left Click - Goes back and forth between the start screen and the last application. (windows button)
  • Right Click - advanced options menu (win x)
Start Screen
  • Move tiles by left clicking and holding and then moving the mouse.
  • Right click on empty spot for all programs
  • right click on tile for advanced options
  • name groups - minus sign in bottom right. right click group. (also ctrl+mouse wheel or - sign).
Settings
  • App Settings - Charm Bar (right bar) - Settings - Top Area (its context sensitive)
  • General Settings - Charm Bar (right bar) - Settings - Bottom Area (will always be there)
Devices
  • Use this to print from a metro application
  • Extend your Screen to another monitor
  • etc..
Share
  • Share between applications
  • Share Photo from Photo application with Email Client to email it. etc..
Right Click
  • Always right click for more advanced options.
  • App Bar - top and bottom bar in applications can be accessed by a right click
Internet Browsers
  • Default Browser has access to Metro Browser and Desktop Browser
  • Non-Default Browser has access to only Desktop Browser
  • In Desktop IE you can change the launch behavior in internet options-programs.
  • how do I get metro IE? make it your default browser
  • how do I get metro chrome? make it your default browser
  • how do I get metro firefox? make it your default browser
  • Metro IE Flash support is whitelisted, if a site doesn't right click and click the wrench and click "view on desktop" (most major sites will work)
  • pin IE shortcuts to startscreen. right click inside IE and click the pin
Snap
  • Two Metro Snap states. 1/3 and 2/3.
  • Grab app from top and drag to either side and let go.
  • Right click in task switcher and select snap left or right.
  • Can have 1/3 metro app and 2/3 desktop.
Multi-Monitor
  • Right click taskbar and select properties to change some of the multi-monitor taskbar functions
  • Metro can only work on one screen at a time.
  • start screen can not be on at all time (will go away when loses focus from other monitor input).
  • metro apps can be on at all time on another monitor.
  • Drag and drop between monitors
  • win+pgup or pgdown moves metro apps between monitors.
  • click in corners to change where you want the metro stuff
Important things to remember
  • Windows Key = Your Home Button
  • Use the Corners
  • Right Click for more advanced options.
  • App Settings - Right Bar-Settings-Top Area(context sensitive)
  • General Settings - Right Bar-Settings-Bottom Area(always there
  • Use Search
close applications
  • dont need to, they suspend after short time
  • grab from top and drag down
  • alt-f4
  • right click in task switcher hit close
  • middle click in task switcher
sync windows phone
  • use zune
accounts
  • Microsoft Account account.live.com
  • you can use a local account, on install at the bottom when you get asked for a Microsoft account. after install, search for user accounts.
malware
  • Windows Defender preinstalled = Microsoft Security Essentials.
Preview Builds of Windows 8
  • Preview Builds of Windows 8 have not gotten any new applications for months and will not get any new applications. (you can use the preview till the end of January)
Have Google 2 Step Auth?
  • Use Application Code. Google Account-Security-2 step edit-manage app codes. Put code in as password
Can't see media in Media Applications?
  • Put your media in the library. (that is where the applications look to) Photos - Photo Library etc... (in file explorer).
Pinning
  • right click, select pin
  • Pin Stuff to the Start Screen (metro apps, inside metro apps, desktop apps etc..)
  • Pin stuff to the taskbar like control panel (can't do metro apps)
Volume Control inside Music, Video apps?
  • Have to use Hardware buttons
where are all the applications?
  • Store is separated by Region
  • settings - look for option to search apps that are not in your language
  • Move to a better country
  • xbox points? nope
  • store cc and paypal
where is media center?
mail notifications
  • mail settings-accounts-turn on notifications
  • pin each account to the start screen (right click inside app)
how do I get rid of windows.old?
  • disk cleanup
xbox music
  • Free ad supported streaming for 6 months. 10 hours free after that.
I hate these transition animations
  • search animation, filter by settings. click turn off animations
I want to change my desktop start screen tiles, they are ugly
can I browse the store online?
  • only the app pages. (site:apps.microsoft) they haven't made the home page live yet
disable the lockscreen
Refresh and Reset
can I use my xbox controller to naviage the start screen?
  • no. not yet at least, someone will create a solution
HTPC
I have duplicate contacts in the people application
  • open one of the contacts, right click and hit link and then add the others
how do I get google back?
I upgraded to media center and I have a watermark
  • restart, should go away
how do I take an image of my start screen?
  • windows key + print screen. image will be in your photo library-screenshots
"Just installed Windows 8. Everything went smoothly, but every time I click an app it has start up screen with the icon and then it just closes. I can't get into any of them. I can start programs just fine, though."
  • uninstall avast
Are Baseball Umpires Blind?
  • Yes
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

I will probably keep adding to this and repost it every few pages.
.
 
For the new page.

Bing Search is pretty slick because I get points for searching without having to log in like I do with the web version.

SkyDrive... slick. The fact that my apps are able to read and write to it like local storage makes it amazing.

AED (Advanced English Dictionary) is pretty nice and handy as a metro app. It has audible pronunciation of words plus an simple straight forward interface.
 

MCD

Junior Member
There is a Chinese app on the app store called Love/Love wallpaper HD.

Wish I know Chinese because it's the best wallpaper app.
 
Is there any way to message friends on the Xbox from Windows 8?

Edit: Another question: can you use an Xbox controller to navigate the Windows 8 UI if I were to use my PC on my TV?

I'll be disappointed if both answers to these questions are no.
 

Cronen

Member
So by default the Message and People apps bring up Hotmail/MSN Messenger contacts (as my live ID is my Hotmail account). Am I able to get rid of/hide these, so that I just have my Facebook friends for example?


Oh, same goes for Email. Can I hide Hotmail, and have it only show Gmail?

Thanks.
 

Windu

never heard about the cat, apparently
So by default the Message and People apps bring up Hotmail/MSN Messenger contacts (as my live ID is my Hotmail account). Am I able to get rid of/hide these, so that I just have my Facebook friends for example?


Oh, same goes for Email. Can I hide Hotmail, and have it only show Gmail?

Thanks.
go to settings, top area
 

Firehead

Member
So it looks like I can't change my XBL email to my new, @outlook.com address, due to the account.live.com site not being updated to add the @outlook.com domain to their whitelist or whatever.
So, I can't use my Microsoft account with the music, game and video apps until they fix it. :(
 

MCD

Junior Member
So it looks like I can't change my XBL email to my new, @outlook.com address, due to the account.live.com site not being updated to add the @outlook.com domain to their whitelist or whatever.
So, I can't use my Microsoft account with the music, game and video apps until they fix it. :(

Can't you just change your email via Xbox? That's what I did.
 
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