How to Use the Mouse to Get Around in Windows 8
While designing Windows 8 the developers only had touch screen in mind which is why this operating system is considered ideal for a touch screen. But if you are using a mouse, even then you can install Windows 8 in your system and experience its functions.
An attached mouse will also help you in getting around with Windows 8 and understand the latest features which have not been introduced in any other operating system yet. Initially you will feel quite disoriented while using windows 8 with a mouse instead of using a touch screen but it isn’t that difficult to get around this quandary.
Instructions
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1
Lock Screen
In Windows 8 when your screen gets locked you can unlock it by dragging it with the help of your mouse. On touch screen you can swipe it. Clicking is not required anymore to unlock the screen. After dragging the lock screen away enter the password if you have any. -
2
New Start Button
In Windows 8 the start button is referred as the ‘hot corners’. With the help of a single click you will enter into the start screen. The hot corner can be seen on the extreme lower left corner of the screen. If you want to go back to the previous page then click on the back button, which is present in the same corner where the start button was earlier. -
3
Switching Between Apps:
On the top left corner of your screen you can view the apps which you have opened earlier. You can easily switch between the apps by simply clicking on their outline. Drag your cursor on the app and then move it downwards, this will allow you to view all the recently used apps. You can click any to go back. -
4
Charms
If you move your mouse to the bottom right corner or the top right corner, you will view charms on your screen. By moving the cursor up or down, the charms will be visible to you. Besides the Start charm, Settings, Device, Share and Search Charm is also available on the screen. Every charm is responsible to cater to different desktop functions. For instance Settings Charm will allow you to access desktop settings. The fun part about charm is that if you click on them in the Metro version of Internet Explorer, Settings of Internet Explorer will open. Settings related to the Network, Volume, Notification, language and the brightness of screen are also visible on the desktop. -
5
App Bars
If a metro version of internet explorer is open the entire screen is used by the metro style apps. You will not be able to view any toolbar or other interface elements. In order to view the app bar for the current app, you can right click and view it. In the Metro version, the thumbnail can be seen on the top whereas the navigation tool can be viewed at the bottom. -
6
Split Screen App
If your screen has 1366 pixels wide resolution you will be able to view two screens at the same time though you can’t see two full apps at the same time; one app will have slimmed down interface while the other will be comparatively big. From the task switcher drag the thumbnail and drop it on either side of the screen. You can also view a metro style desktop and the traditional style desktop on the same time. -
7
Closing Metro Apps
When you stop using a metro app it gets suspended so that the system resource is not utilized. With the help of this feature you will not need to close an app - it will close on its own. But if you do want to close any then drag it down and it will turn into a thumbnail. You can also close an app by selecting close. -
8
Scrolling and Zooming
On a touch screen you can easily scroll the Metro style screen by simply swiping. But if you are using a mouse than use the mouse wheel to scroll down and scroll up. By pinching in and pinching out you can zoom in and zoom out from the screen. But if a mouse is connected then you can left click to zoom in and zoom out from the screen.
