by Greg Creech, MCT, CompTIA CTT+
IAAP TEC16 Speaker

This session provides in-depth learning on the new Windows operating system. Learn the differences from previous versions (Windows 7 and 8.1) and new features of Windows 10 as well as removed features.

Bring your device and tailor Windows 10 to your needs; explore the new and improved start menu and task view. Discover the new assistant, Cortana, the new Settings feature, and learn about the improved notifications menu. We’ll explore some of the “gotcha’s” with Windows 10 and important settings to protect your privacy plus answer the questions of when to upgrade. Here’s some of the items we will explore:

• Increase efficiency with task view and navigate through your apps,
• Customize the start menu and important settings for your computer,
• Get help using Cortana and the improved help system,
• Modify your computer with the control panel and the new settings panes,
• Be more productive with shortcuts and tips and tricks in Windows 10.

The Task View

If you are an “experienced” Microsoft Windows user since 1990, you probably use the good old ALT+TAB keys to navigate through your open apps and files, which still work great in Windows 10. Now, we have a more functional view that operates like ALT+TAB and is included in your Taskbar. The Task view arranges your open apps and files in an organized and functional manner on your desktop. If you have a file positioned on your screen using the Snap feature, Task view activates for you to select another file to place next to your current file. The Task View provides snapshots of your open files and includes the titles and application for you.

If you don’t like using the Task View you may remove the button from your Taskbar through your Taskbar options and uncheck Show Task View button. Also, if you don’t like the way Windows automatically “snaps” or positions your screen you may deactivate this in the Control Panel’s Ease of Access center.

The Start Menu – New (??) and Improved

Microsoft’s Windows 8 received complaints about the Start Screen and the limited use and confusion of the Start Menu. Also, clients did not want to directly go to the Start screen, instead we wanted to go to the Desktop. Windows 10 activates your Desktop after logging in and the Start Menu is back and much improved. The Start Screen and the Charms Bar are history with Windows 10 (good riddance).

The Start menu activates through your Windows key on your keyboard or clicking/tapping the Windows button on your desktop. The Start menu offers our most used tasks and apps and includes tiles for our applications that we may pin. You may rearrange your Start menu tiles through click and drag and rename the groups to organize your applications by type and categories.

The All Apps view improves, too. Rather than taking up an entire screen, the Windows 10 All Apps view concisely lists your apps alphabetically and keeps your pinned apps’ tile on the right part of your Start menu. Using the All Apps view you will want to pin your favorite apps to your Start menu and Taskbar. To Pin an app to your Start menu, in the All Apps view right click the app and from the menu choose Pin to Start. To Pin the app to your Taskbar, right click the app and from the More menu choose Pin to Taskbar. You can unpin your apps by right clicking the app tile or button on your taskbar or start menu and choose unpin.

Get more valuable tips and tricks from Greg at IAAP TEC16 (March 13 – 15). There’s still time to register! Click here to learn more.

Greg Creech, MCT, CompTIA CTT+ began his corporate career at Southern Bell on January 5, 1981 as a Steno clerk. After leaving AT&T gracefully, he certified as a Microsoft Office Master Educator and has a 10 book Microsoft Office series entitled The Better Business Management series for Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, and Outlook. In 2007, he received the top honor from the University Continuing Education Association for having the top non-credit programs for ALL continuing education universities and colleges in the south, for his Microsoft Office Suite courses. In 2009, the Association of Continuing Higher Education honored Greg with the Faculty Award for his work at Emory University.