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Start Screen
A new way to access your favorite applications

Windows 8 may have been built for touch based devices, but that doesn't mean it won't deliver an amazing experience with a mouse and a keyboard as well. 

The first thing you'll notice when you power up your device running Microsoft's latest Operating System is the new start screen. Replacing the start menu, this new screen not only gives you shortcuts to your favorite applications, but now also allows for new live tiles which will show you important information at a glance.


StartScreen

 

ACCESSING THE START SCREEN

The new start screen is accessible a few ways:
 
  • Touch: If you're using a touch based device, you can swipe from the right edge of the device towards the center. This will open up the charms menu on the right, one of which is your start button. Select the start button to return to the start screen.

  • Mouse: If you're using your mouse, just click on the bottom left corner of the screen, where the old start menu icon used to be.

  • Keyboard: If you're using a keyboard, you can access the start menu with your familiar Windows key.


Once you've opened the start screen, you'll now have quick access to all kinds of information at your finger tips. You can pin shortcuts to your favorite applications, or create a live tile from within your favorite app to gain information about everything important to you with just a glance. For more on some of the cool things you can do with Windows 8 and the new Start-Screen, check out the Geek Squad 2MM, "Cool things to do with Windows 8".