02-21-2013, 08:28 PM
I've had mine for almost 3 weeks now and I'm beginning to get the hang of it. I sprung for the while kit and caboodle. I even have the touch screen.
So far I've found that the touch screen is not all that great. Sometimes I use it, such as when I finish this post I will scroll the screen with my hand and hit the Submit button. Most of the time, however, I use a mouse. I have found that when I'm close to the screen it's easier to reach up and scroll rather than fumble for the mouse.
As far as Outlook, I quit using that when I quit working. Right now I'm using Thunderbird for an e-mail client. I have found a couple of things that have helped me with Win 8. First, I created a shortcut on my desktop to a folder called "Start Menu." It's located here: "C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs". It's a little awkward but it will get you where you want to go. There are also free programs out there that will give you an old fashioned start menu. I just read about another work-around today. There's a way you can use Task Scheduler to boot directly to the desktop without having to go through the main screen. If you are interested, I will post the information.
The other thing i have found is that if you move the cursor to the lower left corner of the desktop and right click it will bring up a handy menu of system tools.
I had to buy mine because my in-laws are talking about getting a new computer and I wanted to have a little practice with it. They will be 87 in the spring so I need to be ahead of them.
Hope all this helps. Good luck.
Tom
So far I've found that the touch screen is not all that great. Sometimes I use it, such as when I finish this post I will scroll the screen with my hand and hit the Submit button. Most of the time, however, I use a mouse. I have found that when I'm close to the screen it's easier to reach up and scroll rather than fumble for the mouse.
As far as Outlook, I quit using that when I quit working. Right now I'm using Thunderbird for an e-mail client. I have found a couple of things that have helped me with Win 8. First, I created a shortcut on my desktop to a folder called "Start Menu." It's located here: "C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs". It's a little awkward but it will get you where you want to go. There are also free programs out there that will give you an old fashioned start menu. I just read about another work-around today. There's a way you can use Task Scheduler to boot directly to the desktop without having to go through the main screen. If you are interested, I will post the information.
The other thing i have found is that if you move the cursor to the lower left corner of the desktop and right click it will bring up a handy menu of system tools.
I had to buy mine because my in-laws are talking about getting a new computer and I wanted to have a little practice with it. They will be 87 in the spring so I need to be ahead of them.
Hope all this helps. Good luck.
Tom
Life is simple - Eat, Drink, Play with trains
Occupation: Professional Old Guy (The government pays me to be old.)
Dinosaur Rider
Occupation: Professional Old Guy (The government pays me to be old.)
Dinosaur Rider