After the release of Windows 8 Consumer Preview, I was very excited to give it a try on my hyper-v VM. There is a lot of difference between Windows 7 and 8, especially Windows 8 has optimized a lot for tablet users.

Lock screen

• Windows 8 lock screen provides quick view of latest data, time, unread emails.
• Windows 8 supports picture password.

Start Menu

• Win 7 classical start menu is removed
• New start menu for Metro UI Applications

Desktop mode

• Clock desktop tile from start menu to enter classical desktop mode.
• The desktop user experience is same as Win 7.

Charm Button

• Allow you access Search, Share, Start, Devices, Settings shortcuts quickly .
• Shortcut: Win Key + C

Reboot or Shutdown

How to Reboot or Shutdown in Windows 8

Work with application

• Win Key + tab to switch between applications
• To close metro UI app, click and hold at the top of screen and pull down to the bottom of screen.

Search

• Type from start menu to launch search