How to add Windows Media Center to Windows 8

Earlier this year I suggested that because Microsoft was unbundling Windows Media Center from Windows 8, fans of the former should avoid upgrading to the latter. Thankfully, Microsoft plans to charge a reasonable (but still annoying) $9.99 for Windows Media Center. Given how few users actually use the product, I can live with that. Of course, free is always better. And if you have...

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hidden security working in windows 8

Don't let the Windows 8 haters brainswash you: Microsoft actually introduced a few great features in its new operating system, some of which will help keep you safer from malware and other security threats. Though most of these security enhancements are active by default, you still must be proactive to get the most from them. Also, one new Windows 8 feature presents specific security concerns...

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8 worst Windows 8 irritations (and how to fix them)

Windows 8, I want to love you, but your annoying quirks keep bringing me down. After spending more than a year conquering the operating system's overhauled (and nonintuitive) interface in its various prerelease iterations, I've now entered a second stage of frustration: I find myself cursing at Windows 8's major changes less and less, but shaking my fist and swearing like a sailor at its...

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Customize Windows 8's boot screen with Boot UI Tuner

One thing you might have noticed about Windows 8 is its new boot loader (i.e. the screen that appears shortly after you start your PC). It has a graphical interface, which is nice, but it's not great for anyone who prefers a dual- or multi-boot setup, and it also makes it a little harder to get to advanced boot options Boot UI Tuner is a free utility that gives you...

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How to banish Metro from your Windows 8 PC forever

In a world exploding with tablets and touchscreens, Microsoft's decision to saddle Windows 8 with the finger-friendly Modern interface formerly known as Metro makes a lot of sense—for Microsoft. But if you're among the majority of Windows users who aren't using a tablet or a touchscreen, the focus on Live Tiles and mobile-centric apps is more of a frustration than a feature. Vexingly, Windows...

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Windows 8 cheat sheet

To browse a list of your apps (or many of them, at least), you can right-click any tile on the Start screen and select "All apps" on the far right of the bar at the bottom -- or just press the Windows key + Z. You'll see a list of every Windows 8 Store app on your PC, and some -- but not all -- of your Desktop apps. (I have yet to figure out how Windows decides which Desktop apps to list under...

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PLAY Xbox Games on Windows 8

Microsoft this week began talking up a new brand for its in-house Xbox LIVE games that have been ported to Windows 8/RT. Now dubbed PLAY, this is not really anything new, but rather a new push to entice people to adopt Windows 8/RT in order to play familiar Xbox LIVE games on a Windows device. ...

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Windows 8 Tip: Printing in Metro-Style Apps

With Windows 8, Microsoft is standardizing a lot of common tasks through new system-level features such as charms, contracts, and settings. But this standardization is causing some users fits, so I’m starting a new series of tips aimed at helping you overcome some common gotcha’s. In part 2 of this series: Printing from Metro-style apps. The process for adding...

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Windows 8 Tip: Searching in Metro-Style Apps

With Windows 8, Microsoft is standardizing a lot of common tasks through new system-level features such as charms, contracts, and settings. But this standardization is causing some users fits, so I’m starting a new series of tips aimed at helping you overcome some common gotcha’s. In my third tip, I’ll examine how Windows 8 doesn't just limit you to searching for apps, settings, and...

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Connect your Social network profile to your windows 8

IM, Email, and Social Networks in one easy to use application! One of Windows 8′s most-touted new features is its People hub, which combines a comprehensive contact list with the ability to read and post to Twitter and Facebook. Photos from friends who have recently updated also appear on the People hub’s live tile and you can even create dedicated tiles for individual friends. To...

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Make your oldest PC run faster with Windows 8

Microsoft has made a point of advertising the performance enhancements and optimizations being made to Windows 8. Although Windows 7 was well received and typically offered better performance and stability than its much-maligned predecessor, Windows Vista, Microsoft had some loftier goals in mind for the jump to Windows 8. Although it’s too early to confirm that Microsoft has achieved all ...

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