Start from scratch or keep personal files

ntImages by Mark Kaelin for TechRepublic.

Took about an hour (your mileage may vary)

ntImages by Mark Kaelin for TechRepublic.

First set of tiles

ntImages by Mark Kaelin for TechRepublic.

Second set of tiles

ntImages by Mark Kaelin for TechRepublic.

Yes there is a desktop

ntI know there has been much discussion about the traditional Windows Desktop – here it is in all its glory. It is just a clck away right now and I’m sure at some point we will find a way to eliminate that click. So, don’t despair.

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ntImages by Mark Kaelin for TechRepublic.

The Store

ntThere are a number of apps in the Store already with more to come before the final Windows 8 is released.

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ntImages by Mark Kaelin for TechRepublic.

Simple app install - mobile device model

ntImages by Mark Kaelin for TechRepublic.

Lots of free apps

ntImages by Mark Kaelin for TechRepublic.

Google mail

ntI was able to connect to my Gmail account with just a few clicks – I was actually surprised by how simple it turned out to be.

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ntImages by Mark Kaelin for TechRepublic.

You are here

ntImages by Mark Kaelin for TechRepublic.

Right click to get options

ntWe are loading Windows 8 on a tablet, so we will soon learn what contstitutes a right-click in the touch interface.

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ntImages by Mark Kaelin for TechRepublic.

My Google calendar

ntImages by Mark Kaelin for TechRepublic.

Chat

ntImages by Mark Kaelin for TechRepublic.

Bing is ready for Metro

ntImages by Mark Kaelin for TechRepublic.

A nice weather app

ntImages by Mark Kaelin for TechRepublic.

Solitare is here of course

ntImages by Mark Kaelin for TechRepublic.

Music requires an agreement

ntImages by Mark Kaelin for TechRepublic.

And an XBox Live account even though I have not XBox

ntImages by Mark Kaelin for TechRepublic.

Not quite iTunes

ntImages by Mark Kaelin for TechRepublic.

Stock market tracking basics

ntImages by Mark Kaelin for TechRepublic.

The video app also requires an XBox Live account

ntImages by Mark Kaelin for TechRepublic.

Better with XBox Live

ntAgain, XBox Live plays an important part in thw way Windows 8 and the video app work. If you have XBox Live you can play the videos that come with your account on any device running Windows 8 and tied to that account. Instant ecosystem.

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ntImages by Mark Kaelin for TechRepublic.

Time to buy an XBox 360?

ntImages by Mark Kaelin for TechRepublic.

Change your mindset

ntFor me, and I suspect others, the idea of apps running, or at least stubs running, in the background is going to require a change of thinking while on the desktop. Will these apps slow down gaming? Do I have to clear them out before running Skyrim for example? I’ll be testing this.

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ntImages by Mark Kaelin for TechRepublic.

Default apps

ntImages by Mark Kaelin for TechRepublic.

Hot spots

ntAnother new feature us old-timers will have to adjust to is the hotspot. To get a menu of settings including the off button, you have to move your mouse over to the bottom right corner.

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ntImages by Mark Kaelin for TechRepublic.

Setting choices

ntImages by Mark Kaelin for TechRepublic.

Turn on the administration apps

ntImages by Mark Kaelin for TechRepublic.

Wow - there's a lot to admin

ntThe administration set of tiles is not someting most of us are going to keep on display, but if you have to do some administration tasks it is nice to have all the apps available.

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ntImages by Mark Kaelin for TechRepublic.

Under the hood

ntImages by Mark Kaelin for TechRepublic.

Search configuration

ntAnother privacy area – saved searches.

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ntImages by Mark Kaelin for TechRepublic.

A fresh restart is possible

ntYour PC will be easier to reset now.

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ntImages by Mark Kaelin for TechRepublic.

The left hotspot

ntThe left hand hotspot presents easy access to certain apps. The bottom left corner will give you an chance to return to the Metro Interface.

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ntImages by Mark Kaelin for TechRepublic.

Desktop search

ntYou can search for apps, files, or settings

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ntImages by Mark Kaelin for TechRepublic.