- Logging in with the New Lock Screen
- Launching Apps from the New Start Screen
- Using New and Traditional Apps
- Exploring Improved System Tools
- Configuring Options from the Charms Bar
- Relearning Essential Operations
Configuring Options from the Charms Bar
In previous versions of Windows, you configured various system options from the Control Panel. Although the Control Panel still exists in Windows 8 (it’s accessible from the All Apps screen), many common options are configurable from a new Charms bar.
The Charms bar slides in from the right side of the screen when you move your mouse to either the top-right or bottom-right corner of any screen. You can also open the Charms bar by pressing Windows+C.
Configure Windows 8 from the Charms Bar
The Charms bar is context-sensitive. That is, the detailed options available vary from program to program. When you open the Charms bar from the Start screen, you see Windows-specific options; when you open it from other applications, you see options specific to that program.
- To search your computer for apps and documents, click or tap Search.
- To share the content of the current app with others, via email and other services, click or tap Share.
- To return to the Start screen from any other location, click or tap Start.
- To print the current document, or to configure any external devices connected to your computer, click or tap Devices.
- To access and configure various Windows and application settings, and to shut down your computer, click or tap Settings.