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2015 | Buch

Everyday Computing with Windows 8.1

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SUCHEN

Über dieses Buch

Get the most out of Windows 8.1 for your every day computing tasks, with no jargon. Clear, concise and to the point. This brief book, Everyday Computing With Windows 8.1 provides the essentials of using a desktop or laptop running Windows 8 or 8.1, providing a fast read for the beginner and the enthusiast. Windows 8 can give new users fits with options that are well hidden; this book uncovers those so that the user can be relieved of frustration.

Techniques are illustrated step-by-step using photography and screen prints throughout, together with concise, easy to follow explanations from an established expert in the field.

Whether you have just bought your first computer or laptop or are a computer user who needs a better understanding of the basics, this book will provide you with a firm grasp of the underpinning foundations and equip you with the skills needed to take command of your computer.

Inhaltsverzeichnis

Frontmatter
Chapter 1. About Windows
Abstract
Windows is the operating system that runs the software that runs IBM PC compatible computers, laptops and a slightly modified version that runs Windows Phones. Window 8.1 is used for most of the examples in this book.  So, Windows is in essence the program that runs your computer.  There are other operating systems, UNIX (Linux) also runs on PCs; Apple Mac computers have their own operating system which can also run Windows.  Android is an operating system for phones, as is iOS for Apple’s iPhones.  But this book is about Windows based PCs, which account for the great majority of PCs.
Kevin Wilson
Chapter 2. Setting Up Your Device
Abstract
This chapter will show you how to set up your computer. First you should set your machine up on a firm desk.
Kevin Wilson
Chapter 3. Transferring your Old Files
Abstract
The chances are, you will want to transfer files from your old computer, backups, or off of memory sticks.  This chapter focuses on taking files off your old computer and then putting them on your new one. You can also use a cable to send files from one computer to another or you can use a network connection, but using an external drive or memory stick is simple and has the added benefit of giving you a copy of your data.   The bottom line is that if there is a problem, then if you are just copying files, then it is harder to mess up.
Kevin Wilson
Chapter 4. Windows 8
Abstract
Windows 8/8.1 comes in different forms from tablets to desktop PCs. For this book I will be using a laptop computer and demonstrating common tasks using a point and click installation of Windows 8.
Kevin Wilson
Chapter 5. Finding Apps using the Start Window
Abstract
Many of the most commonly used applications you have can be found on the Start screen, e.g., Microsoft Word or Internet Explorer.
Kevin Wilson
Chapter 6. File Management in Windows
Abstract
There are many different types of files. There are the files an end user uses, like graphics files, word processing files, video files and so on.  These can be accessed and may be changed by the end user and the filenames can be changed as well.   However, other files on your system should not have their names changed; they may cause a program not run or may even cause your operating system to fail.  There are files that are used by the system that are hidden from end users by default, so that they do not inadvertently mess them up.  These can generally be accessed by changing settings on your computer, unless your system administrator has decided not to allow access.
Kevin Wilson
Chapter 7. Using the Internet: Browsers
Abstract
One of the great joys of having a computer is calling up information from the Internet. In this chapter, we’ll look at browsers . Browsers are programs that make searching the Internet—also known as the World Wide Web simple. You’ll be able to find information on anything, keep up with the news, or watch your favorite dramas.
Kevin Wilson
Chapter 8. Using Internet Explorer
Abstract
As with other applications in Windows 8 there are two ways of accessing Internet Explorer in Windows 8.1.  One is to use the Desktop tile and access it similarly to prior versions of Windows from the menu.  The other is to use the Internet Explorer tile circled below.  We will focus on using Internet Explorer from this icon as it saves you at least one step.  So, on your Start screen click on Internet Explorer.
Kevin Wilson
Chapter 9. Using Email
Abstract
When you first set up an account in Windows 8 you'll be offered the chance to log in with your Windows Live ID. If you don't have one, it's worth setting one up as discussed in Chapter 13.
Kevin Wilson
Chapter 10. Sending an Email
Abstract
If you use the Mail app in Windows 8.1, it is somewhat different from prior versions of Windows.  This can be confusing to new users.   Note that you can run your email off of File Explorer by clicking on the   Desktop icon and finding your email program in the menu; a more traditional look and feel that will be familiar to anyone who has used Windows before.  However, if you are using the Mail app on the Start menu, as in Chapter 9,  this section shows you how to use Hotmail in Windows 8.1.
Kevin Wilson
Chapter 11. Scanning Documents
Abstract
By default, Windows uses ‘Windows Fax and Scan’ to scan documents. There are other apps available that are bundled with scanners and available for purchase, but for simplicity I am going to use ‘Windows Fax and Scan’. To get started, activate the Charms bar go to search and type ‘scan’.
Kevin Wilson
Chapter 12. Printing Documents
Abstract
Printing from Windows 8 apps can be a little different from prior versions of Windows.  If you are working in the desktop in Windows 8 or 8.1, and are printing documents in say Word or any other traditional application, then printing document is quite similar to older versions of Windows. You simply click on a print icon, or if there is not one, then click on File, then select Print, and you then can select your printer, or choose to save the document to your computer as a file in PDF format, or use the other options that you have listed on the screen.
Kevin Wilson
Chapter 13. Creating a Microsoft Account
Abstract
A Microsoft Account is an email address and a password that you use in Windows 8.1 enabling you to access OneDrive, Outlook.com, the family safety options (that will be discussed in Chapter 24), Xbox Live, a Windows Phone, OneDrive, Office 365, your email directly, and more. You can use the same account for all of your Microsoft Windows devices. The bottom line is that you want to create a Microsoft account.
Kevin Wilson
Chapter 14. Using Microsoft App Store
Abstract
The app store allows you to download and install apps. The app store has both free and paid apps. You can start the app store by clicking or tapping the tile on the Start screen.
Kevin Wilson
Chapter 15. OneDrive
Abstract
OneDrive is a “cloud” based, file hosting service.   OneDrive allows users to access their files from a web browser after uploading them to cloud storage. Users can keep the files private, share them with friends, or make the files public. Publicly shared files do not require a Microsoft account for access.  There are several benefits to saving your files in the cloud.  The two biggest are probably that OneDrive files are backed up and so you don’t have to worry about that and the other is that they do not take up all that space on your device.
Kevin Wilson
Chapter 16. Organizing your Music
Abstract
The Music app links in with your Windows account so you can buy any albums or tracks you want through their store Xbox Music.
Kevin Wilson
Chapter 17. Videos & DVDs
Abstract
You can watch movies, TV programs and videos on your computer or phone. Some are free and some are paid. You can buy movies or rent them and have them streamed directly to your computer.
Kevin Wilson
Chapter 18. Uploading from Digital Cameras
Abstract
Again, you could use the Desktop to do this like you would in prior versions of Windows and the processes are pretty similar, but it is simplest to work from the Start Screen.   To get started, plug in your camera using the USB cable. As soon as you plug in for the first time, a message will appear on the top right of the screen asking you what to do with the device you have just plugged in. Click on it.
Kevin Wilson
Chapter 19. Connecting to Other Screens or Projectors
Abstract
There are several applications of utilizing more than one screen. Most people in a work environment can be more productive if they have two screens to work with.  This book was edited working with two screens.  Projecting the image on your computer onto a screen for a presentation is another common use.  Let’s get started.  Open the Charms bar, select the Devices charm and, then Second screen.
Kevin Wilson
Chapter 20. Keyboard Shor tcuts
Abstract
The design of Windows 8 creates some productivity challenges for its users in its attempt to satisfy tablet users while attempting to keep desktop users who were getting their job done with prior versions of Windows.  As a result, Windows 8 is significantly easier to use if you happen to have a touch screen, but only a tiny fraction of PC users have them now. Even with touch screens, the chance of creating errors is greatly increased by the interface.   Fortunately, keyboard shortcuts make it bit easier to navigate without a touch screen and help reduce mistaken gestures.  Here is a list of keyboard short cuts that can help you increase your productivity.  But first, two highly useful examples.
Kevin Wilson
Chapter 21. Frequently Used Applications
Abstract
Windows 8.1 comes with a number of pre-installed apps to make life simpler for the user. They are not only useful, but serve to teach people how apps in Windows 8.1 work.  We will explore two of them to give you a sense of them so that you can go to the Store and pick out more that suit your needs.
Kevin Wilson
Chapter 22. Word 2013
Abstract
Microsoft Word allows you to create many different types of document, from letters, CVs to greetings cards, posters and more.
Kevin Wilson
Chapter 23. PowerPoint 2013
Abstract
Microsoft PowerPoint allows you to create multimedia presentations. To launch PowerPoint go to the Start screen and tap PowerPoint 2013.
Kevin Wilson
Chapter 24. Computer Security
Abstract
Anti-Virus software is required software for any computer. But in the case of Anti-virus software, more is generally not better.  The reason is that more than one can often interfere with the other.  A lot of this software is sold pre-installed on the machine you buy and is offered on a subscription basis. So you have to pay to update the software.  It makes sense to have good protection, but there is a lot of good inexpensive or even free anti-virus software out there.
Kevin Wilson
Chapter 25. Computer Maintenance
Abstract
This chapter deals with many of the issues of basic maintenance both from a software perspective and a physical perspective.
Kevin Wilson
Backmatter
Metadaten
Titel
Everyday Computing with Windows 8.1
verfasst von
Kevin Wilson
Copyright-Jahr
2015
Verlag
Apress
Electronic ISBN
978-1-4842-0805-2
Print ISBN
978-1-4842-0806-9
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4842-0805-2