Windows 8 features. Who is a Sysadmin? Take your apps

Microsoft will officially unveil Windows 8.1 this Friday. A day after a message appeared on the Internet about the last stage of work on the OS Windows 8.1 and the transfer of copies of the RTM version to Microsoft's production partners, this assembly was distributed on file-sharing resources. According to available data, the source of the leak operating system was in China, since this localization was the first to appear on the Internet.

When using a new operating system, ordinary users are very often not aware of many of its capabilities that make it easier to work with a computer. This article presents the “secrets” and functions of the latest introduced version of the OS - Windows 8, which most users are not aware of.

1. Hidden Start Menu.

By clicking the left mouse button on the lower left side of the screen, the user launches a tiled start page, but if you right-click, a menu will open with links to the main sections of the OS, including the Control Panel and Task Manager.

2. Sync settings.

The OS supports the old system account user, in parallel it contains a new type of user account associated with a Windows ID and saving all information from SkyDrive, Xbox, Hotmail/Outlook, etc. Using a linked account, the user has the opportunity to synchronize Windows settings on all computers, which is convenient if there are several of them at home or at work.

3. Windows Defender.

With each new version of operating systems, their capabilities grow, facilitating interaction between a person and a computer. And along with them, the characteristics for which these operating systems are developed are growing. And it is likely that in the future, which is becoming increasingly important, laptops will completely replace desktop computers.

After months of torture with teasers, the Developer Preview is finally out, ready to save us from a lot of Windows disadvantages 8, so clearly striking.

You've no doubt already heard about the big ones: the return of the Start button, the introduction of the Bing search bar, the introduction of the ability to customize Snap's split-screen feature, and so on. etc. You know everything yourself.

The menu itself is not new to Windows 8.1. What's new is the addition of a shutdown button to this menu. The drop-down menu gives you the ability to shut down or restart your computer in a second right then and there, without having to fiddle with a hidden menu.

Download to desktop or all apps and more

The “Taskbar Properties” option is another old friend (a real mammoth personal computers) with new appearance. Have you heard that Windows 8.1 allows you to boot directly to your desktop at startup? This is true, but Microsoft obviously doesn't really want you to do it, so it's buried the feature in this dark corner of the operating system.

While on your desktop, right-click on the taskbar and then open it all the way new tab"Navigation". There you will find new options for disabling hot upper corners. These options are also available in the Metro Control Panel, but most options start screen can only be found here.

How convenient they are! Want to boot straight to your desktop or screen with all your apps? This is your chance!

Opening Metro version of IE 11 in multiple windows

While you're busy using the new Snap options in Windows 8.1, don't forget that you can now open one app in multiple windows. In the original Windows versions 8 this could not even be dreamed of.

Despite much effort, I was not entirely satisfied with the way the feature was implemented in Windows 8.1. Trying to open an app twice, or pinning an app to one side of the screen and trying to open a second instance of that app, simply didn't work.

Although, you can open multiple copies of the modern version Internet Explorer 11. If you have several open tabs, you can long press on one of them and select “Open tab in new window” from the menu that appears. Additionally, long-pressing on a link on a web page will bring up several options at the bottom of the screen, including “Open tab in a new window.”

Selecting this feature will cause the page to open in a different IE 11 window, and Windows 8.1 will helpfully split your monitor screen 50/50 between the two windows.

Gigabytes in SkyDrive

SkyDrive plays a much bigger role in Windows 8.1, taking Microsoft's vision of a seamless, cloud-based and connected world to the next level. In fact, SkyDrive is now vital to Windows 8.1 and that's why Microsoft dedicated an entire section to it in its modern style computer settings. A huge number of settings now sync and follow you from device to device by default, including Metro apps. However, if you really want to live in the cloud, then you need to enable some options buried deep in the settings.

Open charm bar and select Settings > Change PC settings. Once there, open SkyDrive options and select Files from the menu on the left side.

Here you can activate the ability to save documents to and from the camera to the default SkyDrive folder. This is absolutely amazing new feature will allow you to sit down at almost any computer with Windows 8 and feel at home.

Hush my dear

It's not so easy to relax if your gadgets turn on to remind you throughout the day. Windows 8 joins Apple and Android in having notifications that make sounds and turn on the locked screen even when you're not holding your tablet. Luckily, Windows 8.1 allows you to turn off this cacophony by setting the quiet hour option.

This feature is also not easy to find. Open the settings window and go to: “Change PC settings > Search and programs > Notifications.” Scroll down the page a little until you reach the Quiet Hour option. By default, quiet time in Windows 8.1 is set from midnight to 6 am, but you can change the settings to any time period you want.

Taking control of applications

There's something that really annoyed me about the Modern apps that came with vanilla Windows 8. No, I'm not talking about the huge amount of space they waste unnecessarily (Windows 8.1 still hasn't solved this problem!), I'm talking about the incredibly awkward way to manage them . They can be controlled from anywhere, but not from the start screen. Metro apps are not shown in file structure computer in open form, and you can't remove them from the Programs Control Panel.

Windows 8.1 changed that!

Go to Search & Apps and select App Size from the menu on the left side. The screen will appear full list all installed by you modern applications, together with the size of each application. If you are looking for additional free space on your hard drive, then here you can delete unnecessary application by simply clicking on it and bringing up the delete option.

Wireless Miracast connection

People don't like wires, and Windows 8.1 doesn't like them either. Like Android 4.2, Microsoft's operating system updates include full support for the new wireless standard Miracast, which works much like Apple's AirPlay technology. Your PC can connect to your TV or monitor like telecom magic!

Miracast technology is so new that you may have trouble finding compatible ones in your local stores, but you can already buy a special Miracast receiver that can turn any TV with an HDMI port into a Miracast-compatible display. You can also buy a console Xbox One from Microsoft, which will go on sale just in time for the holidays, as it will be a real Miracast receiver capable of establishing close interaction between Windows 8 and Xbox.

If you want to connect your Windows 8.1 device to a Miracast receiver, then you will need to dig into the computer settings. The easiest option is to open charm Devices and select Project > Add Display. If there is a Miracast display nearby, Windows 8 should automatically find it.

Big changes in the world of printing

Windows 8.1 brings a ton of improvements to help you cope with the exotic printers coming out these days. Windows 8.1 is now packed with 3D printer support in the form of drivers and native APIs, which I hope will make the 3D printing process as easy as traditional 2D printing, and we will finally get rid of the complex and confusing process. which reigns in the world of 3D printing at the moment.

The idea is to allow you to use 3D printers with a simple "Print" button located in the "Devices" tab, so you can print directly from the modern interface - of course, assuming the printer software uses Microsoft support.

The innovations in cutting-edge printing don't stop there. Windows 8.1 also includes support for NFC printers. If your Windows device and your printer are the proud owners of NFC technology, then simply by pressing the button of one device located opposite the other, you can automatically connect them for fast printing.

If NFC and 3D printers are too adventurous for you yet, then you'll be happy to hear that Windows 8.1 also includes Wi-Fi Direct printing capabilities. What does it mean?

It's simple: you can connect to a Wi-Fi Direct compatible printer without having to create Wi-Fi networks and unnecessary fiddling with software settings. All you need is a printer and a device with Windows 8.1.

Windows 8.1 is an operating system developed by Microsoft. The company introduced many new changes to it and many people found the operating system difficult to use. Windows 8.1 is very similar to Windows 8.

The company has released many versions of Windows OS over the years. The most popular of them are Windows 7 (released in 2009), Windows Vista (2006) and Windows XP (2001). Read about the types of operating systems. The Windows versions listed are only for desktop computers and laptops. And Windows 8 is also designed for tablets. Therefore, the interface of the eighth version is simplified and can work with touch screens.

The operating system controls all hardware and software computer. To understand more about operating systems, study the lessons: and in the section

How is Windows 8 different from previous versions?

There are many new features and changes in Windows 8. Mainly it is a redesigned interface, networking opportunities and improved security.

Interface changes

The first thing you'll notice about Windows 8 is that it's completely different from its predecessors. Absolutely new interface includes new features such as starter Start screen(Start Screen) live tiles(Live Tiles) active angles(Hot Corners).

Other features of Windows 8

How to work in Windows 8?

It may take time to get used to Windows 8. And remember that Microsoft company, the undisputed leader among OS manufacturers. A new version in the Windows line is designed to make your work on the computer more convenient and easier.

For example, in previous versions of Windows we are used to working through the Start button. Used in Windows 8 start screen, instead of the Start button. But you can still use your usual desktop to work with files and folders, and open programs. You can also use the Internet without leaving the start screen.

Most people will use both the Start screen and the desktop, depending on their tasks. However, if you use your computer primarily for web browsing, you may spend almost all of your time on the Start screen.

Is it worth upgrading to WIndows 8?

As you understand, Windows 8 is very different from previous versions. This is not just a new version with new features, in many ways it is completely different operating system. Is it worth upgrading? The choice is always yours. There will be many more in the next lesson useful information things you should know before upgrading or Windows installation 8.

Differences between Windows 8 and Windows 8.1

In 2012, when Windows 8 was released, many users complained that it was confusing and difficult to use. using Windows 8, especially compared to older versions of Windows. Then, some time later, it appeared Windows update 8.1 which includes a number of improvements and features that solved many problems with Windows 8. Below are some Windows changes 8.1:

Start button: Windows 8 has removed the Start button on the desktop. Many users complained about the missing Start button and Windows 8.1 brought it back to the desktop. Clicking the button will launch the start screen, which can be used for many tasks.

Programs and applications: At the starting Windows screen 8 there is no way to open and view more than two applications at the same time. Windows 8.1 fixes this shortcoming and allows you to open and view multiple applications at the same time. Desktop programs work the same as in previous versions.

If you have Windows 8 installed, then you definitely need to switch to . Your system can update automatically, but you can also update manually. To update manually, open the app Windows Store from the start screen, then select Windows Update.

04.04.2014

In the updated version of the operating Microsoft systems There are many small improvements that give it significant advantages over Windows 8.

Brad Chacos. 25 hidden features in Windows 8.1. PCWorld, January 2014.

The big picture is made up of little things. And this fully applies to the updated version of Windows 8.1. Some interesting features of the OS are hidden from view, and it's time to end this! The article presented to your attention contains information that we had to spend quite a lot of time searching for, collecting fragmentary information bit by bit. So let's get started.

With a wave of your hand

One of the most interesting tricks used by the developers of Windows 8.1 is hidden deep in the Cooking application. There are plenty of delicious recipes for every taste, but cooking food while constantly turning to the touch screen is not a good idea. What if you don't touch the screen at all?

In contactless mode, you simply wave your hand in front of the screen, which has already been stained with sauce, and the built-in camera of the device, recording your movements, gives the program a command to move to the next stage and display the next portion of instructions on the display. As a result, the touch screen remains clean, the dish is prepared, and you get acquainted with new technology(very practical, I must admit), which even contains something magical.

SkyDrive App: Modern File Explorer

SkyDrive (renamed OneDrive in February 2014) is tightly integrated into the Windows 8.1 environment, as evidenced by the prompt to save all your photos and files to the cloud that appears on the screen immediately after the OS update, as well as the presence of SkyDrive elements in the Desktop File Explorer table.

At the same time cloud service is given important role and in the modern interface File Explorer, which allows you to manage files with finger movements.

One application, several windows

Opportunity dynamic change The aspect ratio of application windows when placed next to each other is a small but important improvement introduced in Windows 8.1. But the new OS also supports one more feature that few people know about. Windows 8 allowed each application to display only one window on the screen at a time. The user did not have, for example, the ability to place two instances of Internet Explorer on the screen at once.

IN Windows environment 8.1 this feature is supported - at least in relation to the Internet Explorer 11 browser, for which this function is most in demand.

Reading, viewing

Internet Explorer 11 is one of the few browsers that is fully compatible with the touch interface. It also has a “Reading Mode” that makes web browsing even more enjoyable. By activating this feature, all unnecessary clutter (including advertising) is removed from the screen, and the page presentation takes on an attractive horizontal scrolling appearance.

Automatic application updates

To update applications with a modern interface in Windows 8, you will have to go to the Windows Store and perform all the manipulations manually. When the appropriate mode is activated, Windows 8.1 automatically initiates all necessary operations.

Restarting applications

In Windows 8, apps close when they are dragged to the bottom of the screen. In Windows 8.1, in this case they are simply minimized - the application continues to run in the background.

Mail app settings

Unlike other built-in applications, quite serious changes have been made to the Mail program. When you click on a hyperlink in an email, the corresponding web page automatically opens in Internet browser Explorer 11. As a result, the user can browse the site without leaving the Inbox (this happens when IE is set as the default browser and is allowed to run in the modern interface). Perhaps such changes may not seem too significant to some, but the ease of working with the program, due to them, increases noticeably.

Bulk Application Configuration Tools

Customizing apps and Live Tiles in Windows 8 was not for the faint of heart. Users had to uninstall and resize each application manually, individually. Windows 8.1 supports group configuration. On the Start screen, go to Settings mode (right-click on an empty area of ​​the Start screen and click the Settings button in the panel that appears at the bottom). You can now select multiple apps at once and move them to a new location, change tile sizes, or delete them completely.

Additional settings options are found in the Search and Apps section, which opens after clicking the Settings charm and selecting Change PC settings. Go to "App Size". Here you will see how much memory is allocated to each application, and if you wish, you can remove the main memory hogs.

Apps on the lock screen

Some new features are available even when Windows 8.1 is actually not working. If you need to take a photo quickly, you can access the Camera app right from the lock screen. This is unlikely to be useful for PC users, but for owners of tablets and mobile devices This feature can be very useful.

Library support for removable media

By default, libraries are disabled in Windows 8.1, but you can easily enable them again. And that's not all. In Windows 8.1 libraries support removable media, which was not the case in Windows 8.

The fact is that the Windows 8.1 operating system is often installed on portable, hybrid and tablet computers, equipped with flash memory or solid state drives small container. If you plan to watch movies on a tablet running Windows control, a removable flash drive becomes virtually a mandatory attribute. Thanks to new Windows capabilities 8.1, movies recorded on a flash drive, when connected to a computer, will be displayed in the “Video” library.

Camera app improvements

Using the Camera app, you can now create panoramas in the style of Microsoft programs Photosynth. However, this function, even if you have a webcam, is not supported by all equipment. If your device is compatible with the new technology, a corresponding icon will appear on the screen.

Silent notifications

With the release of Windows 8, Microsoft combined elements of desktop computers and mobile devices into a single whole. Such mobile elements also include pop-up application notifications accompanied by a sound signal. Overall, these notifications are quite useful (although, of course, it would be nice for developers to integrate a common notification center into the system). But if the tablet or PC does not turn off even at night, then such signals soon become very annoying.

Windows 8.1 introduced Do Not Disturb mode, which mutes beeps when notifications appear in certain time days.

Shutting down the computer from the Desktop

It would probably be possible to refuse altogether t modern interface, but to complete the work you need to call the miracle panel. Isn't that right? But no.

Tidying up the interface

From the Desktop, right-click on the Taskbar, context menu select "Properties" and go to the "Navigation" tab. On it you will find a number of options that allow you to disable pop-up panels in the corners of the screen, display the Desktop after the boot procedure is completed, and make other settings.

Sorting apps

One of hidden functions Desktop allows you to automatically open the Applications view when you go to home screen. In Windows 8.1, you can open the Apps view by clicking the arrow in the lower left corner of the Start screen, or by swiping up from the bottom of the screen on a touchscreen device.

In the “Applications” itself, settings have also appeared that users have been waiting for a long time.

Photo editing

The Camera app may have lost its former connection to Facebook and Flickr, but it has gained a range of image editing tools. Of course, this is not Photoshop, but you can still crop the edges of the picture, adjust colors and sharpness, and add numerous effects.

Miracast wireless standard support

Now the image generated by applications with a modern interface can be displayed on a wireless display. True, this possibility is realized only when the device running Windows 8.1 and the display connected to it support the standard wireless communication Miracast, for example Surface tablet Pro. By the way, you can purchase a set-top box compatible with this technology, in particular Netgear Push2TV.

At the forefront of printing technology

Windows 8.1 introduces 3D printing support, making it as easy to print real objects as it is to print images on paper. However, Microsoft is striving to keep up with life in the world of two-dimensional printing. Windows 8.1 supports NFC printing and Wi-Fi technology Direct. And who will need local networks now?

New sync options

The introduction of the SkyDrive service (since February 2014 - OneDrive) was a big step forward for Windows 8, and in Windows 8.1 it became part of the “one system on many devices” concept. Windows 8.1 supports synchronization of the application list, Start screen layout, and even Internet Explorer 11 tabs.

General wallpaper

The shortcomings of Windows 8 were largely due to the dual nature of this OS. The desktop and the modern interface resembled two opposing camps, between which there was competition for the user's attention.

Essentially, the same thing continues in Windows 8.1, but the system developers have made a number of changes to help the two different interfaces get along better with each other. These include the ability to transfer wallpaper from the Desktop to the Start screen. (And why not do it from the beginning?)

Sharing screenshots

This small addition to Windows 8.1 will be very useful for tech journalists and all those users who want to show colleagues or friends the image presented on their screen.

Slideshow on lock screen

Are you bored with the static look of your lock screen? Then you can turn your monitor into a digital photo frame. Click the Settings charm and go to the Change PC settings Computer and devices Lock screen section. Switch the “Show slideshow on lock screen” switch to the on position, and you will see all the wealth of images available on the device.

Device encryption by default

Like Windows RT, Windows 8.1 supports storage encryption. However, unlike tablets, not all PCs are compatible with this function. To do this, they must support technology Secure Boot, Trusted Platform Module 2.0 and Connected Standby, which, in turn, also have their own requirements.

If your computer supports all this, the encryption settings will be in the “Change computer settings” section, which opens after clicking the “Settings” charm.

Access point

The mobile nature of Windows 8.1 is not limited to the modern interface alone. If you are using a PC or tablet that supports mobile router functionality (ASUS VivoTab with LTE or Nokia Lumia 2520), the device can be configured as a point Wi-Fi access and connect up to ten other devices to it.

1. Hidden Start Menu

Moving the cursor to the bottom left of the screen and left-clicking the mouse launches a tiled start page... but right-clicking opens a menu with links to all major sections of the operating system, including Control Panel. command line and Task Manager.

To open the hidden start menu, right-click in the lower left corner.

2. Sync settings

Windows 8 supports old system user account, but it also includes a new type of user account that is associated with your Windows ID and stores all your information from SkyDrive, Xbox, Hotmail/Outlook and all other services provided by the company. With Windows 8, you can synchronize all settings, Internet bookmarks and much more across different computers.

Sync your settings
With a linked account, you can sync your Windows settings (from your desktop wallpaper to your web browsing history) across all your computers, which is great if you have several at work or at home. Go to Settings, select Change PC Settings, and open the Sync Settings page to configure this feature.

3. Windows Defender

Windows 8 supports Windows Defender with additional antivirus capabilities. But unlike Security Essentials, Windows Defender fights both viruses and spyware, and is already included in the operating system. You will notice its work if you have not already installed anti-virus and anti-spyware programs instead, which are activated every time it is necessary to eliminate emerging threats to the security of your computer.

4. Simplified computer shutdown

Use the traditional Alt+F4 combination to quickly turn off your computer. Instead of opening the Charms bar sidebar, clicking Settings, then selecting the Power button and turning off, simply press Alt+F4 while the desktop is open. You can press Enter to shut down your computer or select another option from the menu that appears.

5. Automatically save screenshots

Windows 8 automatically saves a screenshot every time you press Win+PrtScn. Windows 7 had a dedicated Snipping Tool for capturing screenshots, and it's also present in Windows 8. However, there's an easier way to capture what's happening on the screen: Click Windows keys and PrtScn at the same time, and drawing in PNG format will be automatically saved to your Image Library.

6. Keyboard shortcuts

Ctrl+Tab opens a list of all your Windows 8 applications. Slide your fingers across the screen and press keys Windows system 8 is quite possible for devices with touch screen, but what about regular laptops and desktop computers?
Knowing the keyboard shortcuts in Windows 8 will save you a lot of clicking and dragging with your mouse, and will help you navigate the system faster and easier. For example, Win+C opens the Charms bar sidebar, while simply pressing the Windows key allows you to switch between the desktop and home page y. One more useful combination: On the start page, press Ctrl+Tab to open a list of all applications.

7. Switch between applications

Windows 8 allows you to pin an app page (like Weather or Bing) to some part of the screen while you're working on your desktop. Many Windows applications 8 have their own mini mode, so you see them in some part of the screen.

Use dual screen mode
So, for example, you can work in Photoshop and monitor the weather forecast. Or you can stay in touch at
Twitter, using the People application, and at the same time operate with numbers in Excel. To open an application in full screen, drag it from the top right or left of the screen. You can also launch pages from different applications next to each other.

8. File history

Windows 8 can save previous versions files that are important to you, which is very helpful if you accidentally deleted a document or your favorite photo was damaged for some reason.
The function – File History – is not enabled by default; you need to activate it by going to the “System and Security” tab in the Control Panel. The only note is that you need an additional available hard drive, and any: external, built-in or network.

9.ISO support

In Windows 8, you can run ISOs (and VHD files) in their original format. Double click on downloaded or extracted ISO file allows you to see its contents; right-click and select Edit to run the file.

10. Reinstall Windows

This is a feature that you may not need until something goes wrong - new way For reboot Windows, known as Factory Reset (on the PC Settings page). There is no need to search for disks and serial codes because everything you need is already in the system and hidden on the hard drive.

Factory reset process Windows settings takes just a couple of clicks and has never been so simple. Alternatively, you can do an “Update,” which will return all operating system settings to their original settings, while keeping your personal files, settings, programs that came with your PC, and any applications you downloaded from the Windows Store.