This article was written by Neal Shelton, a Claris techie based out of our Chattanooga office.
Like it or not, Windows 8 is here to stay…for a while at least. The good news is that Windows 8 is packed full of new features. Let’s take a look at 3 of them here.
The Search Function
Windows 8.1 supports smart, full PC searching. Move your mouse into the top right hand portion of your monitor. After a moment, the Charms bar will appear. There are a few features available with the charms bar, but the magnifying glass for “Search” is what we are looking for. Are you a fan of shortcuts? Press the Windows + S keys to bring up the search function specifically in windows 8.1. Still have windows 8? No problem, simply press the windows key and start typing.
Choose what to search for if you need better results.
There are a number of ways to search. The top 3 options are the most useful. Choose from everywhere, settings, or files. Looking for a May 2012 report? Simply start typing your search and as you add characters to the search string, Windows will change the options for you. The search works fast enough that searching with the everywhere option will get you what you need.
Beyond files, you can search for anything you want. A search for “Word” will find and open Microsoft Word. A search for Skype will quickly find and launch the app for a video call to friends. If you are searching for something that cannot be found, a suggestion will appear to search online for a solution.
Remember: Windows Key + S, this combination will help you find almost anything on your Windows 8.1 PC. For those who have not yet upgraded to version 8.1, simply press the Windows key and start typing for a similar search experience.
Refresh and Remove
Refresh and Remove isn’t something you will use all the time, but, when you need it, it’s invaluable. If you have ever sold a computer, you know it’s a headache to make sure you have cleaned all traces of personal data. This process could take hours, and there’s always the possibility that you may leave personal data for the next owner to find. This is no longer a problem in Windows 8. “Remove” will easily wipe all of your personal details from your computer before parting with it.
“Refresh” on the other hand, is a way to “roll back” your PC to an earlier time. Have you ever updated your computer and noticed things didn’t seem to work right afterwards? Refresh will revert Windows to its default settings, and any apps downloaded from the internet or installed from a disc will need to be reinstalled. Any apps from Windows Store will be downloaded again automatically. All of your personal files stored on your PC will remain untouched.
Both Refresh and Remove can be found by searching for “refresh”, and selecting either “Refresh your PC,” or “Remove Everything.”
Task Manager
Let’s face it, we have all been stuck hitting Control + Alt + Delete to force-quit an unresponsive program. When the Task Manager opens up, hit “End task.” Problem solved. Windows 8 still has this function, but the Task Manager has been improved tremendously.
Task Manager first runs in a basic window.
Clicking on “More Details” gives the full feature set of the improved tool.
Usage is tracked and graphed in real-time from the Task Manager.
If you are using Windows 8 Apps, you can see their history under the “App History” tab. Network usage, CPU time, and how much data the app has consumed are all easily visible.
If you use Windows 8 Apps, this tab can track their usage.
One of the best features of the new task manager is in the Startup tab. Here, a list of programs are listed which are slated to launch automatically when your computer starts.
You can easily view “Status” and “Impact” from the Startup tab.
You can right click and “disable” any application you don’t want or need. The Startup tab also shows how each startup item impacts performance. High impact items may slow boot time, while low impact items have little effect.
Sorry Pidgin, time to go! As easy as “right click, and disable.”
For advanced users, the “Processes” tab allows you to expand a process to see all of the host processes that are included in the process tree. All of the Service Host processes can be expanded to see everything without having to open up anything else.
No more right clicking and “Go to Process” in Windows 8. Processes are nestled under services.
Conclusion
While the new format takes some getting used to, Windows 8 includes many ways to increase productivity. Fully integrated searching, Refresh and Remove, and a new Task Manager are only three of the many new features.
What aspects have you found useful within Windows 8? Click here to join the conversation on our Facebook page!
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