Windows 8 can be used in two ways, and if you run the so-called Desktop mode, the difference is small compared to Windows 7. You use the same programs, and functions such as the Recycle Bin, Control Panel, Explorer and the Taskbar look as usual.
The only major difference is that the Start button has changed its appearance. It is no longer visible on the screen, but only appears when you place the mouse in the lower left corner. If you click on it, a discrete window no longer opens, but the menu fills the entire screen.
Everything that was previously under the old Start button is on your new Start page. This is where you find all programs and this is where you make settings and searches. In addition, there are of course a lot of new functions (see page 46). Unlike the Desktop mode, the Start page is fully adapted for touch screen. This means that you who use a tablet will prefer this mode.
You could say that Windows 8 is two operating systems: Desktop for traditional computers and Start for touchscreens. Whether this change is good or bad can of course be debated. But it’s important to remember that you don’t have to use the new interface if you don’t want to. Just add shortcuts to the most common programs in the Taskbar – and you’ll never have to leave the familiar Desktop view.
How do I install software?
To install Office packages and other “regular” Windows programs, you do exactly as you usually do. Insert the CD or DVD into the PC and run the installer as usual. You can, of course, continue to download free programs on the Internet, for example via PC for Everyone’s Program Bank (pcforalla.se/program).
How are apps installed?
One of the big news in Windows 8 is the ability to run apps. Just like in your smartphone, it is therefore possible to install small programs directly from the store that is built into the system. Thanks to a common interface, it is easy and safe to install programs.
In Windows 8, the store is called Store and contains both apps that cost money and apps that are free. To install an app, go to the Start page and click on Store. If you know the name of the app, search for it by starting to type on the keyboard. In other words, you do not need to place yourself in a search box.
If you don’t know what the app is called, you can browse through different categories and when you have found a free program, click Install. If it is an app that costs money, you can choose between Try (test if you like the app) or Buy (buy it by entering your card number). Your app will automatically end up on your Start page.
Developing apps for Windows 8 is relatively easy, and at dev.windows.com you can download the Visual Studio development program free of charge.
Can I show both?
As a rule, apps are displayed in full-screen mode, and therefore, as a rule, you cannot view an app if you are in desktop mode. However, there is one exception, and that is that you can dock an app to the left or right edge of the screen. This means that you can, for example, dock your inbox or your calendar on the left edge and then work as usual on the rest of the screen.
You can see how to do this on page 46.
How do I manage my programs?
The list of all installed programs looks different in Windows 8. Although you can go through the Control Panel, the normal way is to use the Start page. If you use a mouse, you right-click somewhere on the background, and if you have a touch screen, you drag your finger from the top edge towards the middle. Now the All apps icon will appear at the bottom right and clicking on it will show all your installed programs.
You select a program or app by right-clicking with the mouse (or pointing with your finger and dragging the button down). A menu will now appear that allows you to add the icon to the Start page, pin it to the Taskbar, or uninstall the program/app (see image below).
Where is the Control Panel?
If you want to make a setting in 
In Windows 8, you place the mouse at the top right (or drag with your finger from the right edge towards the middle). You now see a menu, and under Settings a new menu opens. It varies depending on which app or program you have open, but at the bottom you will always find Change PC settings for general settings. The old Control Panel is also there, and you’ll see it at the top of your settings menu.
Traditionalists can take a shortcut by pressing the Windows key and X to bring up a context menu for Control Panel and other legacy features.
What is required of the computer?
If you are running Windows 7 or Windows Vista today, it is no problem to upgrade to Windows 8. The system requirements are the same.
Processor: 1 GHz.
Internal memory: 1 GB (2 GB for the 64-bit version).
Hard disk: 16 GB free (20 GB for the 64-bit version).
Miscellaneous: Directx 9 and wddm driver (Windows display driver model). Screen with at least 1024 x 768 pixels to download apps.
Do old programs and gadgets work?
In Desktop mode, Windows 8 works in the same way as Windows 7. According to Microsoft, there should be no problem running old programs or external hardware such as screens, printers and the like. However, you may have problems if you are going to upgrade an older computer. Device drivers may not work if they are created for Windows XP.
Are these the same apps for Windows Phone?
Windows 8 is used both for tablets and computers. You drive
i.e. the same apps on all machines. Windows Phone 8, which is Microsoft’s system for smart mobile phones, is on the other hand a world of its own.
Windows 8 and Windows Phone apps do look similar, and it’s easy for developers to produce both – but you can’t run Windows Phone apps on your PC/tablet.
What happened to Microsoft’s free software?
Previously, add-ons such as Photo Gallery (photo program) and Movie Maker (video editing) and Messenger (chat) were included in Windows. Nowadays, they are only available for free download on the web. Enter into get.live.comclick Download and follow the instructions.
Another free program that you have to add yourself is Windows Media Center, which is used to watch TV and video. You install it by opening the Control Panel and clicking on Programs, Turn Windows features on or off. Find Windows Media Center in the list and check it.