Windows 8

[bev&kev]

Can anyone tell me where to find "my computer" or equivalent on Windows 8? I want to download something from my external hard drive, but I can't find how to do it.

I might sound calm, but I am very close to jumping on this bleep-bleep-bleep machine. Whoever invented Windows 8 needs a kick up the rear.

[Cath RJ]

Click on the arrow bottom left of the windows page to find apps then scoot along bottom to far right where you will find "this computer". I think it's 2nd. down in last column. I'm sure a computer buff will tell you of an easier way but this is what I do. I also hate windows 8.

[Caroline]

Alternatively, click on the white windows symbol and select Desktop ... then you will see the File Explorer on the bottom left. This is like the old Windows Explorer.

I like W8. I generally have it on Desktop then go to the W8 bit to find the applications I need.

Make sure that you have updated to W8.1 .

[Cath RJ]

I knew there was an easier way but couldn't remember it! Thanks Caroline, if I remember, that's the way I'll do it in future.

[Elaine ..Spain]

Make sure that you have updated to W8.1 .

When I was in the UK at Christmas, my daughter bought a new Windows 8 laptop. After the initial problems we had just finding out where everything was, and getting used to the touch screen, I must say I liked the feel of it.
Knowing absolutely nothing about Windows 8, what are the benefits to upgrading to 8.1 ?

[bev&kev]

Found it! Thank you so much ladies. Yes, every one has told me to update to 8.1. I will do so asap.

[Caroline]

When I was in the UK at Christmas, my daughter bought a new Windows 8 laptop. After the initial problems we had just finding out where everything was, and getting used to the touch screen, I must say I liked the feel of it.
Knowing absolutely nothing about Windows 8, what are the benefits to upgrading to 8.1 ?

For me, it speeded everything up a lot. I had been very disappointed as my brand new replacement laptop was so much slower than the other, with a similar spec. It did some other important things under the bonnet, but I don't remember what they were now as I was able to update almost immediately.

Here: http://www.pocket-lint.com/news/1244...let-can-do-now

[Elaine ..Spain]

.. but the look and feel of the desktop with the large tiled icons / touch screen are still the same on 8.1 ?

[Caroline]

.. but the look and feel of the desktop with the large tiled icons / touch screen are still the same on 8.1 ?

Yes. You can make the tiles even smaller than you could before.

[Elaine ..Spain]

Thanks Caroline. Will pass the message on to daughter!

[AntonyM]

For those who can't get on with the Windows 8 interface (me included) there are a number of free utilities that give you back the look/feel of Windows 7.

I use this one, but there are quite a few others.

http://www.classicshell.net/

[Anne in Carlisle]

I like Windows 8 and I have decided not to upgrade. After discussing with my s i l I think the reason I like it is just to do with the way I personally use the computer.

I have "hidden" nearly all the tiles on the start screen and reorganised those I use. Mostly I work from the Desktop which is little different to Win 7. The most useful thing I find is if I have loads of windows open and want to launch another program I can just press the Windows key and do one click on the appropriate tile and its open. Seems a lot easier than Win XP that I had before. Plus .... My computer is ten times faster!!! (I don't have a touch screen)
Anne