Beginning Windows 8.1

Beginning Windows 8.1

by Mike Halsey
Released October 2013
Publisher(s): Apress
ISBN: 9781430263593

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Book description

Windows 8 has been described by Microsoft as its ‘boldest’ Windows release ever and the 8.1 update enhances the paradigm further. Beginning Windows 8.1 takes you through the new features and helps you get more out of the familiar to reveal the fullest possibilities for this amazing new operating system. >

You will learn, with non-technical language used throughout, how to get up and running in the new Windows interface, minimize downtime, maximize productivity, and harness the features you never knew existed to take control of your computer and enjoy the peace of mind and excitement that comes with it.>

From tips and tweaks to easy-to-follow guides and detailed descriptions, this book takes you inside Windows 8.1 to discover the true power and flexibility that lies within, and guides you at your own pace through getting the very best from it.

Table of contents

  1. Cover
  2. Title
  3. Copyright
  4. Dedication
  5. Contents at a Glance
  6. Contents
  7. About the Author
  8. About the Technical Reviewers
  9. Acknowledgments
  10. Introduction
  11. Chapter 1: Introducing Windows 8.1
    1. What Is Windows 8.1?
      1. What’s the Difference Between Windows 8.1 and Windows RT?
      2. How Windows 8.1 Differs from Windows 7 and Windows Vista
      3. How Windows 8.1 Differs from Windows XP
      4. 32-bit (x86) and 64-bit (x64) Explained
    2. What’s New in Windows 8.1?
      1. Start Screen
      2. Refresh and Reset
      3. Windows To Go
      4. Hyper-V
      5. Storage Spaces
      6. SkyDrive Integration
      7. Secure Boot
      8. What Else Is New?
    3. Configuring the Windows 8.1 Lock Screen
      1. Using a Pin or Picture Password on the Lock Screen
      2. Changing Your Login Method
    4. Mastering Touch in Windows 8.1
    5. Using the Onscreen Keyboard in Windows 8.1
    6. Privacy and Security for Personal and Business Data
    7. Summary
  12. Chapter 2: Finding Your Way Around Windows 8.1
    1. Using the Start Screen and Apps
      1. Switching Between and Shutting Down Running Apps
      2. Locking the Computer and Signing Out
      3. Controlling the Windows 8.1 Start Screen
    2. Controlling Apps and Live Tiles
      1. Performing Functions on Apps and Live Tiles
      2. Arranging Live Tiles into Groups
      3. Hiding and Adding Apps and Tiles
    3. Using the Charms
    4. Using the Desktop in Windows 8.1
      1. Start Button
      2. Windows Administration Menu
      3. Using the Desktop Taskbar
      4. Using the Date and Time Dialog Box
      5. Viewing Taskbar Thumbnails
      6. Using Taskbar Jump Lists
      7. Managing Windows on the Desktop
    5. Common Ways to Work with Windows Apps
    6. Preinstalled Windows 8.1 Apps
      1. Alarm
      2. Calculator
      3. Calendar
      4. Camera
      5. Maps
      6. Music
      7. Outlook
      8. People
      9. Photos
      10. Reading List
      11. Video
    7. Preinstalled Desktop Programs
      1. Calculator
      2. Character Map
      3. Math Input
      4. Notepad
      5. Paint
      6. Snipping Tool
      7. Sound Recorder
      8. Sticky Notes
      9. Windows Fax and Scan
      10. Windows Journal
      11. Windows Media Center/Windows Media Player
      12. WordPad
      13. XPS Viewer
    8. Installing and Uninstalling Apps and Programs
    9. Summary
  13. Chapter 3: Getting Connected
    1. Getting Online with Windows 8.1
      1. Understanding Public and Home and Work Networks
      2. Connecting to Networks in Windows 8.1
      3. Managing Mobile Broadband
      4. Connecting to Hidden Wi-Fi Networks
      5. Connecting to a Mobile Broadband Network
      6. Connecting to a Company Workplace
      7. Connecting to a Company Domain
      8. Connecting to Virtual Private Networks
    2. Managing and Deleting Wireless Network Profiles
    3. Managing Network Connections
      1. Network Management Best Practice
      2. Securing Wi-Fi Networks
      3. Managing Mobile Broadband Data Usage
    4. Using Internet Explorer 11
      1. Using the Internet Explorer 11 App
      2. Using Favorites in Internet Explorer
      3. Using Internet Explorer 11 on the Desktop
      4. Managing Browser Tabs in IE11 on the Desktop
      5. Internet Explorer 11 Safety Features
      6. Using the SmartScreen Filter to Block Malicious Web Sites
      7. Managing Add-ons, Toolbars and Search Providers in IE11
      8. Internet Explorer 11 Options and Configuration
      9. Managing Safety and Privacy in Internet Explorer 11
    5. Recovering Lost Web Site Usernames and Passwords
    6. What is InPrivate Mode?
    7. Staying Safe Online
      1. Internet Threats Explained
      2. Identifying Safe and Unsafe Web Sites in IE11
      3. Making the Desktop Version of IE11 Your Default Browser
    8. Summary
  14. Chapter 4: Sharing with Family and Friends
    1. Working with User Accounts
      1. Setting Up Users
      2. Creating a Password Reset Drive
      3. Resetting Your Microsoft Account Password
      4. Managing User Accounts
      5. Managing a Microsoft Account Online
      6. Using Family Safety
    2. Sharing Files and Folders with HomeGroup
    3. Sharing Files and Folders on a Network
      1. Sharing with Individuals
      2. Sharing with Groups of People
      3. Sharing with Non-Windows Computers
    4. Sharing Files with Windows 8.1 and RT Tablets, Ultrabooks, and Laptops
    5. Windows 8.1 and SkyDrive File Backup
      1. Downloading SkyDrive Files to Your PC
      2. Using Microsoft SkyDrive to Share Files
    6. Sharing Content Within Apps
    7. Sharing Optical Drives
    8. Streaming Music and Video to Devices and Computers
    9. Changing the Advanced Sharing Settings in Windows 8.1
    10. Connecting to Network Shared Storage
      1. Why You Might Not See Network Storage on Your Computer
      2. Viewing the Status of Network Drives
    11. Summary
  15. Chapter 5: Organizing and Searching Your Computer
    1. Using File Explorer
      1. Quick Access Toolbar
      2. The Address Bar
      3. The Navigation Pane
      4. Status Bar and Folder Options
      5. Main Explorer View
      6. Hiding Picture File Names
      7. File Explorer Ribbon
      8. Copying and Moving Files in File Explorer
    2. Managing Files and Folders from Apps
    3. Using Libraries in Windows 8.1
      1. Creating a Library
      2. Changing the Way a Library Displays Files
      3. Managing Libraries
      4. Changing the Default Save Location
      5. Adding Network Locations to Libraries
      6. Using Tags and Ratings to Organize Files
      7. Simplify Adding Tags and Ratings with Windows Photo Gallery
      8. Managing Folder Options
    4. Using Search in Windows 8.1
      1. Searching from the Start Screen
      2. Searching in File Explorer
    5. Expanding Libraries with Saved Searches in Windows 8.1
      1. Harnessing the Full Power of Saved Searches
      2. Saving and Sharing Your Saved Searches
    6. Tagging Files in Microsoft Office
    7. Managing the Search and File Index in Windows 8.1
      1. Adding Folders to the Index
      2. Changing the Advanced Indexing Options
    8. Searching Network Locations in Windows 8.1
    9. Using Search Syntax in Internet Explorer
    10. Summary
  16. Chapter 6: Printing and Managing Printers
    1. Installing Printers in Windows 8.1
    2. Setting Default Printers for Different Places
    3. Managing Printers in Windows 8.1
    4. Managing Color Profiles for Printers and Displays
    5. Managing Shared Printers in Windows 8.1
    6. Managing Printing in Windows 8.1
    7. Working with Wireless Printers in Windows 8.1
    8. Obtaining the IP Address of a Network Printer
    9. Top Printing Tips
    10. Summary
  17. Chapter 7: Having Fun with Games, Photos, Music, and Video
    1. Managing Games in Windows 8.1
      1. The Games App
      2. Xbox SmartGlass
      3. Managing Game Ratings for Children
      4. Configuring Windows 8.1 for the Latest Games
      5. Choosing and Upgrading Your Gaming Hardware
      6. Working with Gaming Peripherals
      7. 3D Gaming on Windows 8.1
    2. Viewing and Editing Photos in Windows 8.1
      1. The Photo App
      2. Windows Photo Gallery
      3. Other Third-Party Photo Editing Packages
      4. Importing Digital Photographs and Videos from a Camera
    3. Manually Adding a Scanner to Windows 8.1
    4. Playing and Enjoying Music and Video in Windows 8.1
      1. Creating and Managing Playlists in the Music and Video Apps
      2. Audio and Video Codecs in Windows 8.1
    5. Windows Media Center
      1. Organizing Your Media Libraries in Media Center
      2. Setting Up, Watching, and Recording Live TV
      3. Managing Windows Media Center
      4. Using Xbox 360 to Access TV, Music, Video, and Pictures from Windows 8.1
      5. Converting Recorded TV to DVR-MS Format
    6. Recording Audio Directly to Your PC
    7. Changing the Default Audio Devices on Your PC
    8. Burn CDs and DVDs Directly from the Desktop
    9. Burn Audio CDs in Windows Media Player
    10. Summary
  18. Chapter 8: Maximizing Your Productivity
    1. Managing and Arranging Running Apps
      1. Switching Between Running Apps
      2. Arranging Two Apps Side by Side
    2. Working with Multiple Programs on the Desktop
      1. Hiding and Restoring All Windows on the Desktop (a.k.a. Boss Mode)
      2. Minimizing and Restoring Windows Using Shake
      3. Snapping Two Windows Side by Side
      4. Peeking at and Closing Windows from Thumbnails
      5. Pinning Programs to the Desktop Taskbar
      6. Maximizing Productivity with Jump Lists
    3. Using Microsoft SkyDrive with Windows 8.1
    4. Using the Windows 8.1 Spell Checker
    5. Taking Screen Shots in Windows 8.1
      1. Using the Snipping Tool
    6. Windows Mobility Center
      1. Managing Battery Life on Laptops, Ultrabooks, and Tablets
      2. Maintaining Productivity Without Electricity/Internet Access
      3. Sharing a Mobile Broadband Connection
      4. Working with Secondary Displays
      5. Synchronizing Files with Other Computers and Devices
    7. Working with Multiple Screens and Desktops in Windows 8.1
      1. Managing Multiple Displays in Windows 8.1
      2. Using Multimonitor Wallpapers in Windows 8.1
    8. Creating a Windows To Go Drive Without Windows To Go
    9. Summary
  19. Chapter 9: Personalizing Your Windows Experience
    1. Personalizing Windows 8.1
      1. Personalizing the Lock Screen
      2. Personalizing the Start Screen
      3. Displaying Administrative Tools on the Start Screen
      4. Managing Notification “Toasts”
      5. That Syncing Feeling
    2. Personalizing the Windows 8.1 Desktop
      1. Personalizing the Desktop Wallpaper
      2. Personalizing the Window Color
      3. Personalizing Sounds in Windows 8.1
      4. Choosing a Screen Saver
      5. Changing the Desktop Icons
      6. Changing the Mouse Pointer
      7. Personalizing the Taskbar
    3. Enabling Recycle Bin Warnings
    4. Start Windows 8.1 Directly to the Desktop
    5. Changing the Default File Explorer View
    6. Changing and Customizing Your Region Settings
    7. Working with Multiple Languages in Windows 8.1
    8. Personalizing the Power Management Options
      1. Changing the Power Plan
      2. Controlling the Power Button, Power Options, and Password Wakeup
      3. Controlling Sleep and Hibernation
      4. Changing the Advanced Power Settings
      5. Maximizing Battery Life on Mobile Devices
      6. Adding Power Buttons to the Start Screen and Taskbar
      7. Creating a Power Buttons Toolbar
    9. Summary
  20. Chapter 10: Making Windows 8.1 More Accessible and Easier to Use
    1. Making Windows 8.1 Easier to Use
    2. The Ease of Access Center
    3. Making Text and Windows Easier to Read
    4. Using the Narrator to Read Text Aloud
      1. Controlling the Narrator with Touch
      2. Controlling the Narrator with the Keyboard
    5. Making Your Keyboard and Mouse Easier to Use
    6. Using Text or Visual Alternatives for Sounds
    7. Making It Easier to Focus on Tasks
      1. Training Windows 8.1’s Handwriting Recognition
    8. Using Speech Recognition with Windows 8.1
      1. Common Speech Recognition Controls
    9. Finding Accessible Apps in Windows 8.1
    10. Where to Find Accessibility Help and Support
    11. Summary
  21. Chapter 11: Keeping You, Your Files, and Your Computer Safe
    1. How Secure Is Windows 8.1 Really?
    2. Maintaining Security When Using Windows 8.1 with Other Windows Versions
    3. Maintaining Security When Using Windows 8.1 with Non-Windows Operating Systems
    4. Windows Defender
      1. Configuring and Updating Windows Defender
    5. Finding and Installing Third-Party Antivirus Software
      1. Disabling Windows Defender
      2. Offline Antivirus Scanners
    6. Using the Windows Firewall
      1. Configuring and Maintaining the Windows Firewall
      2. Using the Advanced Firewall
    7. User Account Control
    8. Encrypting Files, Folders, and Drives
      1. Encrypting Files and Folders Using the Encrypting File System
      2. Encrypting Drives with BitLocker
      3. Using BitLocker To Go
      4. Encryption Best Practice
    9. Permitting and Blocking File and Folder Access with NTFS Permissions
    10. Using Biometric Devices with Windows 8.1
    11. Summary
  22. Chapter 12: Maintaining and Backing Up Your Computer and Files
    1. Maintaining a Healthy Computer
      1. What Causes Computers to Become Unstable
      2. How is Windows RT Different?
      3. Using the Windows 8.1 Action Center
      4. The Windows 8.1 Task Manager
      5. Using Windows Update
    2. Protecting and Repairing Windows
      1. Creating a Recovery Drive
      2. Backing Up and Recovering Your Windows 8.1 Installation
      3. Safe Mode and Diagnostic Startup Mode
      4. Using Startup Repair
      5. Restoring Windows 8.1 to Factory Settings
    3. Backing Up Files and Folders
      1. Where to Store Backups
      2. Remember to Encrypt Business Backups
      3. Backing Up Your Files in Windows 8.1
      4. Restoring Backed up and Deleted Files with File History
      5. Safeguarding Your Personal Files and Folders
      6. Taking Ownership of Files and Folders
    4. Summary
  23. Chapter 13: Advanced Configuration and Customization
    1. PC Settings
      1. Front Screen
      2. PC & Devices
      3. Accounts
      4. SkyDrive
      5. Search & Apps
      6. Privacy
      7. Network
      8. Time & Language
      9. Ease of Access
      10. Update & Recovery
    2. Control Panel
      1. Customizing the Control Panel
      2. Choosing AutoPlay Options
      3. Setting Default Programs
      4. Managing Fonts in Windows 8.1
      5. Using Location Settings and Other Sensors
      6. Managing Pen, Touch, and Tablet Settings
    3. Configuring the Windows 8.1 Advanced System Settings
      1. Managing Virtual Memory Settings
      2. Managing Data Execution Prevention
      3. Configuring and Managing System Protection
    4. Using and Configuring Storage Spaces
    5. Working with Hardware Devices
      1. Device Manager
      2. Manually Connecting to Networks
    6. Windows 8.1 Administrative Tools
      1. Computer Management Console
      2. Defragment and Optimize Drives
      3. Disk Cleanup
      4. Event Viewer
      5. Local Security Policy
      6. Performance Monitor
      7. Resource Monitor
      8. Services
      9. System Configuration
      10. System Information
      11. Task Scheduler
      12. Windows Memory Diagnostic
    7. Further Customizing Windows 8.1
      1. Disabling the Windows 8.1 Lock Screen
      2. Automatically Logging on to Windows 8.1
      3. Bring Back the Start Menu with a Toolbar
      4. Useful Windows Registry Hacks
    8. Summary
  24. Chapter 14: Getting Started with Virtualization
    1. What Is Virtualization?
    2. When Should You Use a Virtual Machine?
    3. Why You Should “Sandbox” Windows XP
    4. Can’t Find Hyper-V on Your PC?
    5. Installing an Operating System in Hyper-V
      1. Setting Up Networking with Hyper-V
      2. Saving VM Checkpoints
      3. Importing and Exporting Virtual Machines in Hyper-V
      4. Integrating Additional Services into a VM
    6. Using Virtual Hard Disks
      1. Creating a VHD in Windows 8.1
      2. Booting Windows from a VHD
    7. Summary
  25. Chapter 15: Installing Windows 8.1 on Your Computer
    1. Back Up Your Files and Documents First!
    2. Windows 8.1 Edition Differences
    3. Deciding How to Install Windows 8.1 on an Existing Computer
      1. When Is an Upgrade Also a Clean Install?
      2. When You Should Perform a Clean Install
    4. Acquiring Windows 8.1
      1. Downloading Windows 8.1
      2. Creating Bootable Media from a Windows 8.1 ISO File
    5. Preparing to Install Windows 8.1
      1. Upgrading from Windows XP
      2. Upgrading from Windows Vista
      3. Upgrading from Windows 7
      4. Moving from 32-bit (x86) to 64-bit (x64)
      5. Windows 8.1 Minimum Hardware Requirements
      6. Installing Windows 8.1 on Netbooks
    6. Upgrading to Windows 8.1
    7. Performing a Clean Install
      1. Best Practices for Installing Windows 8.1
    8. Transferring Files and Documents from an Old Computer
    9. Summary
  26. Appendix A: Windows 8 Touch Gestures
    1. Narrator Touch Gestures
  27. Appendix B: Windows 8 Shortcut Keys
  28. Appendix C: Advanced Query Syntax for Search
    1. Data Store Location
    2. Common File Kinds
    3. Properties by File Kind
    4. Filter by Size
    5. Boolean Operators
    6. Boolean Properties
    7. Dates
    8. Attachments
    9. Contacts
    10. Communications
    11. Calendar
    12. Documents
    13. Presentations
    14. Music
    15. Pictures
    16. Video
  29. Appendix D: Upgrading Your Computer
    1. Choosing a New Windows 8 Computer
      1. Do You Need a New Computer?
      2. Choosing the Right Desktop PC
      3. Choosing the Right Laptop or Ultrabook
      4. Choosing the Right Tablet
    2. Windows 8 and OEM Installation Discs
    3. Adding More Memory to a PC or Laptop
    4. Changing or Adding a Hard Disk
    5. Changing or Adding a Graphics Card
    6. Changing the Power Supply in Your PC
    7. Safely Working with Your PC, Laptop, or Tablet
    8. Upgrading Windows 8
    9. Summary
  30. Index

Product information

  • Title: Beginning Windows 8.1
  • Author(s): Mike Halsey
  • Release date: October 2013
  • Publisher(s): Apress
  • ISBN: 9781430263593