“Windows 8 Configuration – A list of settings and changes that I would like to remember

After a recent harddrive failure, I finally replaced my Dell Studio1555 running Windows 7 Pro with a Dell Inspiron 15R Special Edition, running Windows 8 Pro. … Windows 8 is different! I had multiple friends offering advice, but I was determined to shut them out and see how much I could figure out on my own. I did have to give up and Google how to shut down before going to bed last night.

I assume some of these  things are specific to the fact that I am using Windows 8 on a laptop that does not have touch.

So, here are some of the usability things I have noticed:

• Running a program – If you know the program’s name, hit the Windows key to go to the start screen / tiles and start typing the name. When you start typing, it starts searching – much like the search box in Windows 7 and Windows 7, except it shows you a list of tiles instead of a text list.
• Shutting Down – Move your mouse to the bottom right hand side of the screen. Click the Settings icon (looks like a gear) , Click Power. The only options I see are Sleep, Shut Down, or Update And Restart.
• To use Desktop mode – There is a Desktop tile. Click it.
• To switch between Desktop and Start Screen / Tiles – Hit the Win key
• To close an app you are using – Hit Alt F4
• To close an app you are not using – go to the top-left of your screen. Right-click and select “Close”.   OR   slide in from the left-hand side of your mouse to show the panel of running apps. Right-click the app and select “Close”.

And here are some settings and changes I have done/noticed:

• Backups – The only backup option I am finding is the “Dell Backup and Recovery” ap. I need to get 4 DVDs or a 16GB USB Flash drive before I can make a backup of how the computer was when I got it. It appears that this app is also where I can set up regular daily or weekly backups.
  There is a good article for using the Windows 8  “File History” for backups at http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2418904,00.asp
• Disabling Aps –
• Auto-Update Config – I prefer that my computer download updates but wait until I am ready before restarting/installing. This option is not visible when configuring Win8.
  If you are comfortable editing the registry, home users can find directions at http://lifehacker.com/stop-windows-from-restarting-your-computer-after-update-509712123
  Pro users can find directions at http://www.howtogeek.com/139993/prevent-windows-8-from-restarting-your-pc-after-windows-updates/
• Power Settings and Hibernation – Press “Win W”. Type “Power” and click “Change what the power buttons do“. This will take you back to Desktop mode with a Control Panel open. … Select “Change Settings that are currently unavailable”. Put a checkmark next to Hibernate under Shutdown Settings. Make any other changes (such as what closing the lid of your laptop does) and click “Save changes”.
  Thanks PC-World! http://www.pcworld.com/article/2016932/how-to-enable-hibernate-mode-in-windows-8.html

Things I still want to figure out:

• turn off touch-pad’s swipe thing where a bar appears on the left side
• hibernate
• Bring back the Start Button