Windows 8 Beginner Level 1

This course is for the novice user who has little or no experience with Windows 8, or an experienced Windows user who wants to learn about the NEW features in Windows 8. You should know how to use a keyboard and mouse, and how to work with windows (maximize, minimize, etc.) If not, then you should start with our Windows 101 beginner class.

We will begin by briefly learning about the history of Windows, the different editions of Windows 8, the extra features that are available in Windows 8 Professional, and the difference between 32-bit and 64-bit Windows.

Next, we'll go into the new features of Windows 8. We'll learn about what's been added and enhanced. We'll also see what some of the missing features are (things that were in earlier versions that have been removed). We'll discuss whether or not you should upgrade your older computers to Windows 8, whether you should buy a PC, laptop, or tablet, and we'll discuss the REAL upgrade specs for Windows 8.

We will then take a more detailed look at the new Metro (or Modern) user interface that comes with Windows 8. We'll talk about click vs. tap terminology, learn about the Lock Screen, and how to log on to Windows. We'll dive deep into the new Start Menu and learn about Tiles, Live Tiles, and Apps. We'll learn how to find the All Apps screen. You'll learn how to pin apps to the Start Menu (and unpin them again). We'll learn about the Charms Bar, signing out of Windows, and shutting your computer down.

We will next learn about the classic Windows Desktop and what changes have been made to it in Windows 8. You'll learn how to work with a window, icons, shortcuts, the TaskBar, Notification Area, and more. You'll find out what happened to the Start Button from previous versions of Windows. You'll see how to use WordPad to write a simple letter, save a file to your hard drive, and then load it back up again. You'll learn about the Windows Key and some shortcuts related to it. You'll learn how to pin programs to your TaskBar (and unpin them again).

You will learn about the difference between classic Windows programs (or Desktop Applications) and the new Windows 8 Apps. We'll go through all of the included popular apps that come with Windows. You'll learn how to create a Microsoft Account and log on to the Windows Store to download more apps and games (like Solitaire).

We will then run through many of the popular Apps that come with Windows 8, including: Internet Explorer, the People App, Mail, connecting Windows Mail to Gmail and other services, Calendar, Maps, Photos, News, Sports, Weather, Bing, Travel, Music, WordPad, File Explorer, the Recycle Bin, SkyDrive, Calculator, and Notepad.

Next we'll learn how to configure Windows. We'll walk through most of the popular beginner configuration options, such as the PC Settings, Lock Screen, Start Screen, change password, setting up a Guest / Kids account, search options, changing the date & time, privacy settings, synching your settings with a Microsoft account, and modifying your Windows Update.

We'll walk through some of the common options in the Control Panel. You'll see how to change your display settings, resolution, mouse control settings, pointer options, and more. You'll learn about Windows Defender and how to use it to stay virus free. You'll learn a little bit about Windows Firewall and what it does.  You'll learn how to customize your desktop using themes and colors, and set up a screen saver.

Finally, I'll take you through some of my own personal customizations. I'll show you how to get the Start Button back using a 3rd-party utility called Classic Shell. I'll teach you how to download files and install applications. Then we'll customize the TaskBar to give it the classic Windows XP look and feel which I really prefer. I'll show you some other programs that you should download, like Google Chrome, WinAmp, and VLC Media Player.

Again, this is the perfect class for anyone who is new to Windows 8. Whether you have a little experience with older versions of Windows, or you just want to see what the new features of Windows 8 are, this class is for you. Of course, if you have any questions about whether or not this class is for you, please contact me.
 

Complete Outline - Windows 8 Beginner Level 1