I bought Windows 8 just before the $48 sale ended and installed it. Then I did as you have done, ignored it for a few months. But then I decided that was foolish and got to work with it and found once the initial resentment at the changes were overcome it was no problem at all.

When the main screen with the large icons is present moving the mouse to the corners is useful, also on that screen simply start to type the name of the needed program and a pop up appears where you can click your choice to open the program. Just 2 little aids that seemed to work for me.

Once you learn the new terminology, the difference between Start screen and Desktop, and determine where things are located it is fine. For me, it is actually fun facing the challenge of doing something new for a change as XP is obsolete, and Vista and W7 were so much alike.

Jane,

Tip #1 is when you learn something has been renamed, discover something in a new location, or discover something altogether new write the information down. It is really frustrating to sit there and know you have seen it, but don't remember where.

Tip #2 is the Windows key toggles you back and forth between the Desktop and the Start screen. In W8.1 the white windows logo located down where the START button use to be on the Desktop screen will take you to the Start Screen

Tip #3 is go to the Desktop. Right click on a vacant area of the Taskbar. On the appearing window select Properties. Review the Navigation tab as there are additional viewing options available.

DA

This post was edited by damccoy on Sun, Dec 8, 13 at 9:17

If you google > windows 8 tricks ===============================
Several are "Top 10 W8 Tricks." Do you spose they are the same 10?

Thanks for the tips. Its still buried in the closet. I just don't have the energy. Probably a days worth of updates and I remember I couldn't even find Control Panel.

I'd appreciate your thoughts on the operating system. Was it a dumb move by MS? Any chance MS will come out with a new, easier design soon? Might just let it sit if something new is in the works.

Jane

Right-clicking on the lower left of the screen "whether youâÂÂre in the Windows 8 Start screen or in the desktop "will bring up the Quick Access Menu, which enables a direct line to many key system management chores, including Disk Management, Task Manager, Device Manager, and Control Panel.

http://www.pcworld.com/article/2012885/20-must-know-windows-8-tips-and-tricks.html?page=3

The world hates change, yet it is the only thing that has brought progress.

Charles Kettering

This post was edited by zep516 on Sun, Dec 8, 13 at 22:19

There are a few different bandaids, including the new 8.1 update, that some find more suitable.

It is what it is. Unless you plan to change to Apple products (which have their own learning curve for a Windows user), it's gonna be a loong wait.

Development and progress will continue forward. W8 is fine. Just like anything else you have to spend some time with it and learn.

DA

This post was edited by damccoy on Mon, Dec 9, 13 at 7:56

I'll make it my New Years resolution...

Thanks,
Jane