A SEMINAR

REPORT ON

WINDOWS 8.1

Submitted for partial fulfilment of award of

B. Tech Degree

In

Computer Science & Engineering

SUBMITTED BY

ANKIT KUMAR BANSAL

1113310035

UNDER SUPERVISION OF

Mr AMIT KUMAR GUPTA

Mr ARVIND CHAUHAN

Department of Computer Science & Engineering

NOIDA INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY, GREATER NOIDA

2013-2014

Certificate

This is to certify that the Seminar report entitled “Windows 8.1” is a record of

the bonafide work done by ANKIT KUMAR BANSAL, Roll No –

1113310035, under our supervision and guidance.

This report is submitted to the Noida Institute of Engineering & Technology

as a part of syllabus prescribed by Uttar Pradesh Technical University,

Lucknow for the Degree of Bachelor of Technology (Computer Science &

Engineering) during the academic year of 2013-14.

We wish best for his endeavour.

Mr ARVIND CHAUHAN Mr AMIT KUMAR GUPTA

Lecturer, Dept. of Lecturer, Dept. of

Computer Science & Engineering Computer Science & Engineering

Acknowledgement

Dedicating this seminar to the Almighty God whose abundant grace and

mercies enabled its successful completion, I would like to express my profound

gratitude to all the people who had inspired and motivated me to undertake this

seminar.

I wish to express our sincere thanks to our Head of the Department, Dr

Prashant Singh, for providing an opportunity to undertake this seminar. I am

deeply indebted to my seminar guide Mr Amit Kumar Gupta and Mr Arvind

Chauhan, lecturer in the Department of Computer Science & Engineering for

providing me with valuable advice and guidance during the course of the

seminar.

Finally I would like to express my gratitude to Noida Institute of

Engineering & Technology, Greater Noida for providing me with all the

required facilities without which the seminar would not have been possible.

Abstract

Operating System is an essential part of any Computer System. Windows is

mostly used Operating System among all of them. Microsoft Windows came

to dominate the world's personal computer market with over 90% market share,

overtaking Mac OS, which had been introduced in 1984. Windows 8.1 is the latest

version among Windows series. Windows 8.1 has now been out and is a freely

downloadable update. Microsoft has already released what is the equivalent of a

first Service Pack for it, Windows 8.1 Update 1.

The latter should already have landed automatically on Windows 8 systems via

Windows Update; you need to have Windows 8.1 already installed beforehand.

From Facebook to the full-featured Mail app and modern Outlook, a "peek" bar

in the modern version of Internet Explorer 11 and the new Windows Scan app,

you get all of the Windows 8.1 extras that were teased in early 2013.

We are still waiting for the proper touch versions of the Office apps but that's

the way things work in Microsoft's new 'continuous development' world. And of

course, you get the interface changes and SkyDrive integration we saw in the

Windows 8.1.

The Start button is back and you can use the same image for your Start screen as

your desktop background. One Drive is built in to sync files - on both Windows

8.1 and Windows 8.1 RT - as well as settings and the layout for your Start screen

and desktop taskbar.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

TITLE

Certificate…………………………………………................ (i)

Acknowledgement………………………………………….. (ii)

Abstract…………………………………………………..... (iii)

CHAPTER 1: Introduction

1.1 Computer System…………………..…………………….. (1-2)

1.1.1. Hardware

1.1.2. Software

1.2 Operating System (OS)…………..………………………. (2-3)

1.3 Examples of OS…………………….………………………. (3)

CHAPTER 2: Windows

2.1 Defining the Windows……………..………………………. (4)

2.2 Features of Windows………….…………………………… (4)

2.3 Versions of Windows……………………………………. (4-5)

CHAPTER 3: Windows 8

3.1 Features……………………………………..……………. (6-9)

3.2 Advantages………………………………………...……. (9-10)

3.3 Drawbacks………………………………….………….. (10-11)

CHAPTER 4: Windows 8.1

4.1 Versions…………………………………………...………. (12)

4.2 Advantages……………………………………..……… (12-15)

CHAPTER 5: Features of Windows 8.1

5.1 Advanced searching………………………………………. (16)

5.2 Better UI PC settings………………………………...……. (17)

5.3 Apps filtering and controls…………………………….. (17-18)

5.4 3D printing support……………………………...…..……. (18)

5.5 Shared wallpaper………………………………………. (19-20)

5.6 Enhanced One Drive……...………………………….... (20-21)

CHAPTER 6: Conclusion……………………………………………… (22)

CHAPTER 7: References………………….…………………...……… (23)

LIST OF FIGURES

a) Computer system………………………………………………………………………. (1)

b) Software……………………………………………………………………………………. (2)

c) Operating system as an interface……………………………………………...… (3)

d) Versions of Windows…………………………………………………………………. (5)

e) New lock screen………………………………………………………………………… (7)

f) Metro UI design…………………………………………………………………………. (7)

g) Improved task manager………………………………………………………...…… (8)

h) Default start screen…………………………………………………………………. (11)

i) Shutting down the Windows……………………………………………………. (11)

j) Cloud capabilities……………………………………………………………………. (12)

k) New apps in Windows 8.1………………………………………………………... (13)

l) Customization…………………………………………………………………………. (13)

m) Boot to the desktop………………………………………………………… (14)

n) A better store…………………………………………………………………………... (14)

o) Skype……………………………………………………………………………………… (15)

p) Advanced search……………………………………………………………………… (16)

q) Setting UI in Windows 8.1………………………………………………………... (17)

r) Apps filtering and sorting………………………………………………………… (18)

s) 3D printing support…………………………………………………………………. (18)

t) How to share Desktop Wallpaper……………………………………………... (20)

u) One Drive…………………………………………………………………………… (20-21)

CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

Computer is the most powerful tool man has ever created. Computers have made a great

impact on our everyday life. Their presence is felt at almost every working place like

home, colleges, offices, industries, hospital, banks, retail, researches and design

organizations and so on. Computers, large and small, are used now a days by all kinds of

people for a variety of takes in a modern and industrial society.

1.1 COMPUTER SYSTEM

Computers are extremely versatile. In fact, they are universal information processing

machines. Computers take numerous physical forms. A computer is basically a

programmable computing machine. Earlier computer were used for complex

computations and used only by the scientists and engineers.

A computer system is a synthesis of hardware and software. A typical computer system

employs a computer that uses programmable devices to store, retrieve and process data.

A computer is a machine for manipulating data according to a list of instructions known

as a program.

FIGURE (a) – COMPUTER SYSTEM

1.1.1 HARDWARE

The physical components of a computer are called hardware (H/w). A physical

component be electronic, electrical, magnetic or optical etc.

For example, Microprocessor, hard disks, floppy disks, printers, scanners, desktop etc.

1.1.2 SOFTWARE

A sequence of instructions given to a computer to perform a particular task is called a

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Program. A set of programs written for a computer is called Software (S/w). It is the non-

tangible component of computers. Computer software contrasts with computer

hardware, which is the physical component of computers. Computer hardware and

software require each other and neither can be realistically used without the other.

Computer software includes all computer programs regardless of their architecture. For

example, executable files, libraries and scripts are computer software. Software is stored

in computer memory and cannot be touched. Software consists of clearly-defined

instructions that upon execution, instructs hardware to perform the tasks for which it is

designed.

Based on the goal, Computer Software can be divided into two categories –

1. Application software uses the computer system to perform useful work or

provide entertainment functions beyond the basic operation of the computer

itself.

2. System software is designed to operate the computer hardware, to provide basic

functionality and to provide a platform for running application software.

FIGURE (b) - SOFTWARE

1.2 OPERATING SYSTEM

An Operating system (OS) is a system software that manages the hardware and software

resources of a computer. The Operating System provides a set of functions needed and

used by most applications and provide the necessary linkages to control a computer’s

hardware.

Without an Operating System, the most powerful computer in the world would be a

useless monster. The functions of an operating system are given here.

1. Memory management: Allocating memory to the running programs and deal

memory location when they are terminated.

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2. Processor management: Processing the jobs, deciding on the job scheduling

techniques and how a job is to be processed, releasing the processor when the jobs

are terminated.

3. Device management: Allocating the input and output devices to the running

process and de-allocating them when they are terminated.

4. File management: Managing the file system in terms of where the files are stored

and memory locations.

FIGURE (c) – OPERATING SYSTEM AS AN INTERFACE

1.3 EXAMPLES OF OPERATING SYSTEM

1. DOS: This is an acronym for Disk Operating System. It is a single user operating

system. It was developed by Bill Gates and Paul Allen in 1980 for IBM PCs.

2. UNIX: This is a multiuser operating system. It was developed by Bell Laboratories.

3. WINDOWS: This is a GUI (Graphical User Interface) based operating system. It is

developed by Microsoft.

4. LINUX: Linux is a free Unix-type operating system originally created by Linus

Torvalds with the assistance of developers around the world. The source code of

Linux is freely available to everyone. It is a multitasking operating system. It is

developed at Helsinki.

5. WINDOWS NT: This is a Client/Server (Distributed) Operating System. It is

developed by Microsoft.

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CHAPTER 2

WINDOWS

2.1 DEFINIG THE WINDOWS

A computer needs an operating system to carry out the required task for the user. A

computer system without an operating system is like a car without dashboard. Windows

is also an Operating System.

Microsoft Windows is a series of graphical interface operating systems developed,

marketed and sold by Microsoft. Microsoft introduced an operating environment named

Windows on November 20, 1985 as a graphical operating system shell for MS-DOS in

response to the growing interest in graphical user interfaces (GUIs).

2.2 FEATURES OF WINDOWS

1. Windows easy transfer: You can transfer almost everything from your old computer

to the new one. User accounts, Files and Folders, Program Settings, Internet Settings

and Favourites, E-mail settings, Contacts and Messages.

2. Windows anytime upgrade: This feature of Windows Operating System allows you to

upgrade to any higher windows version available for your system, so you can take full

advantage of enhanced digital entertainment and other features. Windows anytime

upgrade helps you compare features in each Windows edition and walks you through the

upgrade process.

3. Multilingual: Some users want Windows menus and messages to display in their own

language, i.e. they want to be able to switch from an English Windows environment to

another language. Multilingual User Interface (MUI) is the name of a Microsoft technology

for Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Office and other applications that allows for the

installation of multiple interface languages on a single system. On a system with MUI, each

user would be able to select their own preferred display language. MUI technology was

introduced with Windows 2000 and has been used in every release since (up to Windows

8). It is available in 137 languages.

4. Multithreading: Windows supports concurrency among processes because threads in different processes may execute concurrently. Moreover, multiple threads within the same process may be allocated to separate processors and execute simultaneously. 5. Single-User Multitasking: Windows (from Windows 2000 onward) is a significant example of what has become the new wave in microcomputer operating systems. One of the most significant features of these new operating systems is that, although they are still intended for support of a single interactive user, they are multitasking operating systems.

2.3 VERSIONS OF WINDOWS Windows 1.0, Windows 2.0, Windows 2.1x Windows 3.0, Windows 3.1

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Windows 95, Windows 98 Windows NT, Windows 2000 Windows XP, Windows Vista Windows 7, Windows 8

FIGURE (d) – VERSIONS OF WINDOWS

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CHAPTER 3

WINDOWS 8 Windows 8 is a personal computer operating system developed by Microsoft as part of Windows NT family of operating systems. Development of Windows 8 started before the release of its predecessor, Windows 7, in 2009. It was announced at CES 2011, and followed by the release of three pre-release versions from September 2011 to May 2012. The operating system was released to manufacturing on August 1, 2012, and was released for general availability on October 26, 2012. Windows 8 introduced major changes to the operating system's platform and user interface to improve its user experience on tablets, where Windows was now competing with mobile operating systems, including Android and iOS. Windows 8 was released to a mixed reception. Although reaction towards its performance improvements, security enhancements, and improved support for touchscreen devices was positive, the new user interface of the operating system was widely criticized for being potentially confusing and difficult to learn (especially when used with a keyboard and mouse instead of a touchscreen). Despite these shortcomings, 60 million Windows 8 licenses have been sold through January 2013, a number which included both upgrades and sales to OEMs for new PCs.

3.1 FEATURES OF WINDOWS

1. Faster booting: New features and functionality in Windows 8 include a faster start up through UEFI integration and the new "Hybrid Boot" mode (which hibernates the Windows kernel on shutdown to speed up the subsequent boot).

2. Improved User Interface: Windows 8 introduces significant changes to the operating system's user interface, many of which are aimed at improving its experience on tablet computers and other touchscreen devices. The new user interface is based on Microsoft's Metro design language.

3. New lock screen: The lock screen for Windows 8 is the screen for your Windows

8 PC that appears when you boot yours PC or when it is sleeping. The lock screen doesn’t have any applications on it. Instead, it only gives you the most basic information, such as the date and time, Windows 8 app notifications and updates, and event updates from your calendar. If you’re using a pc, touching any key or moving the mouse will dissolve the lock screen, bringing you back to your Windows 8 start screen or desktop mode. Or, if you’re using a touch device, simply touch or swipe the screen to get back to yours Windows 8 start screen.

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FIGURE (e) – NEW LOCK SCREEN

4. Metro UI design: The new user interface is based on Microsoft's Metro design language, and uses a Start screen similar to that of Windows Phone as the primary means of launching applications. The Start screen displays a customizable array of tiles linking to various apps and desktop programs, some of which can display constantly updated information and content through "live tiles". As a form of multi-tasking, apps can be snapped to the side of a screen.

FIGURE (f) – METRO UI DESIGN

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5. Integrated applications: Windows 8 introduces a new style of application, Windows Store apps. According to Microsoft developer Jensen Harris, these apps are to be optimized for touchscreen environments and will be more specialized than current desktop applications. Apps can run either in a full-screen mode, or be snapped to the side of a screen. Apps can provide toast notifications on screen or animate their tiles on the Start screen with dynamic content.

Apps can use "contracts"; a collection of hooks to provide common functionality that can integrate with other apps, including search and sharing. Apps can also provide integration with other services; for example, the People app can connect to a variety of different social networks and services (such as Facebook, Skype, and People service), while the Photos app can aggregate photos from services such as Facebook and Flickr.

6. Improved task manager: The Task Manager in Windows 8 has been completely overhauled. It’s easier-to-use, slicker, and more feature-packed than ever. Windows 8 may be all about Metro, but the Task Manager and Windows Explorer are better than ever.

The Task Manager now manages start up programs, shows your IP address, and displays slick resource usage graphs. The new color-coding highlights the processes using the most system resources, so you can see them at a glance.

FIGURE (g) – IMPROVED TASK MANAGER

7. More Safety and Security: New security features in Windows 8 include two new authentication methods tailored towards touchscreens (PINs and picture passwords).

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8. Online services and functionality: Windows 8 provides heavier integration with online services from Microsoft and others. A user can now log in to Windows with a Microsoft account, which can be used to access services and synchronize applications and settings between devices. Windows 8 also ships with a client app for Microsoft's SkyDrive cloud storage service, which also allows apps to save files directly to SkyDrive. A SkyDrive client for the desktop and File Explorer is not included in Windows 8, and must be downloaded separately. Bundled multimedia apps are provided under the Xbox brand, including Xbox Music, Xbox Video, and the Xbox SmartGlass companion for use with an Xbox 360 console. Games can integrate into an Xbox Live hub app, which also allows users to view their profile and gamer score. Other bundled apps provide the ability to link Flickr and Facebook.

Internet Explorer 10 is included as both a desktop program and a touch-optimized app, and includes increased support for HTML5, CSS3, and hardware acceleration. The Internet Explorer app does not support plugins or ActiveX components, but includes a version of Adobe Flash Player that is optimized for touch and low power usage.

9. Windows app store: Windows 8 introduces a new style of application, Windows Store apps. Windows Store apps run within a new set of APIs known as Windows Runtime, which supports programming languages such as C, C++, Visual Basic .NET, C#, along with HTML5 and JavaScript. If written in some "high-level" languages, apps written for Windows Runtime can be compatible with both Intel and ARM versions of Windows, otherwise they are not binary code compatible.

Retail versions of Windows 8 will be able to install these apps only through Windows Store - a namesake distribution platform which offers both apps, and listings for desktop programs certified for comparability with Windows 8. A method to side load apps from outside Windows Store is available to devices running Windows 8 Enterprise and joined to a domain; Windows 8 Pro and Windows RT devices that are not part of a domain can also side load apps, but only after special product keys are obtained through volume licensing.

3.2 ADVANTAGES OF WINDOWS 8

1. Start-up Time: Windows 8 starts up faster than Windows 7. Windows 8 took 18 seconds while windows 7 took 27 seconds. Calculated difference is 8 seconds.

2. Shutdown Time: A similar improvement is seen when measuring shutdown time. Windows 8 took 8 seconds versus the 12 seconds in windows 7. Calculated difference is 4 seconds.

3. Wake-Up from sleep: Windows 8 shows a marked improvement here as well. However manufacturers still thought 10 seconds was too long. They then tested Windows 8 using their SSD and the exact same 10 second window was repeated. While windows 7 took 13 seconds.

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4. 3D Graphics Performance: 3Dmark 11 is used primarily to measure 3D graphics performance – meaning graphics card drivers play a vital role here. Still, the performance was very similar on both operating systems, though the more mature Windows 7 was slightly faster.

5. Multimedia Performance: Multimedia performance is said to be another of the strengths of Windows 8, and as you can see when testing with PC mark 7, it was 9% faster than its predecessor.

6. Microsoft Excel: Comparing Windows 8 armed with the new Office 2013 suite we found that it was 10% faster when running our Excel test against Windows 7 using Office 2010. Even when comparing apples to apples, with both operating systems running Excel 2010, Windows 8 is more efficient using the CPU cycles to its benefit on simulation.

7. Transferring Multiple Larger Files Together: When transferring thousands of smaller files we also found that Windows 7 and Windows 8 offer the same performance. But we can pause any file transfer easily in Windows 8 and resume any time.

8. Different Browsers with Windows 8: The desktop version of the IE10 browsers on Windows 8 delivered virtually the same performance as IE9 on Windows 7. Chrome works better in Windows 8 in comparison with Firefox running on identical Windows 8 computer. Also both Mozilla Firefox and Google Chrome perform faster in Windows 8 than Windows 7. Internet Explorer works very slower in all versions of windows.

3.3 DRAWBACKS OF WINDOWS 8

1. You can’t close the apps.

2. Many complaints also focused around the fact that the new UI is aimed at tablets and phones, which makes it utterly useless on desktops and laptops.

3. Users find themselves constantly switching between the new Start screen and the classic Windows 7-ish desktop (which includes the taskbar, desktop, explorer and so forth).

4. Metro apps don’t work anymore. On a lot of users' systems, Windows 8 apps refuse to launch or just freeze shortly after displaying the start-up splash screen.

5. .NET framework 3.5 is missing. Microsoft decided to omit the .NET Framework 3.5 from its Windows 8 Developer Preview, which has version 4.0 running only. If you're trying to install an application that requires 3.5, you'll be faced with a dialog saying it needs to download the required components. Unfortunately, this process either takes half an eternity (45 minutes on some of my machines!) or results in error messages.

6. By default, the Windows 8 Start screen has this default green theme with no option to change it.

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FIGURE (h) – Default Start Screen

7. To shut down the computer is not easy. Clicking on the Start button just brings up the new Start screen. To properly shut down or restart Windows 8, you'd have to: a) Log off, click on the Power button and select either Restart or Shutdown. b) Hover over the Start button, click on Settings, go to Power and select your

options.

FIGURE (i) – Shutting down the Windows

8. Windows 8 requires a product key. 9. Programs and drivers won’t work. It's nothing short of a miracle that nearly all of

Windows 7 applications and drivers work right out of the gate. Microsoft's legacy support is spot on, even in this early pre-beta release of Windows 8. However, there is a small portion of programs and drivers that just won't work.

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CHAPTER 4

WINDOWS 8.1

Windows 8.1 is a version of Windows NT family of operating systems and an upgrade for Windows 8. First unveiled and released as a public beta in June 2013, it was released to manufacturing on August 27, 2013, and reached general availability on October 17, 2013, almost a year after the retail release of its predecessor. Windows 8.1 is available free of charge for retail copies of Windows 8 and Windows RT users via Windows Store. Unlike service packs on previous versions of Windows, users who obtained 8 outside of retail copies or pre-loaded installations (i.e., volume licensing) must obtain 8.1 through new installation media from their respective subscription or enterprise channel. Microsoft's support lifecycle policy treats Windows 8.1 similar to previous service packs of Windows: It is part of Windows 8's support lifecycle, and installing 8.1 is required to maintain access to support and Windows updates after January 12, 2016. However, unlike previous service packs, Windows 8.1 cannot be acquired via Windows Update and only accepts 8.1-specific product keys.

Microsoft markets Windows 8.1 as an "update" for Windows 8, avoiding the term "upgrade."

4.1 VERSIONS OF WINDOWS 8.1

Windows RT 8.1

Windows 8.1

Windows 8.1 Pro

Windows 8.1 Enterprise

4.2 ADVANTAGES OF WINDOWS 8.1

1. Cloud capabilities: Microsoft's cloud-based file storage system is better integrated into Windows 8.1 after the half-way-house of Windows 8, offering users effortless syncing and backup.

FIGURE (j) – Cloud Capabilities

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2. New and improved apps: Microsoft's own apps, like Mail and Photos, are getting better all the time, and third-party developers are also starting to up their game - the Start screen Netflix app is actually an improvement on the web interface, particularly if you're using a larger screen. App docking is improved too, so you can more easily use Start screen and desktop apps alongside each other, or even have three or four apps running simultaneously on larger displays.

FIGURE (k) – New Apps in Windows 8.1

3. More customization: You can now take far more control over the look and feel of your Start screen than you could in Windows 8. There are more colour and background choices, additional tile sizes, and the option to have a slideshow instead of a static image on the lock screen. You can even replace the Start screen with the Apps page, if you prefer. On the desktop, you can change the functions of the "hot corners" if you don't like the way they work by default.

FIGURE (l) – Customization

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4. Boot to the Desktop: The Start screen isn't going away anytime soon, but you can

now bypass it when you log in - Windows 8.1 lets you boot up to the Start screen,

the Apps page or the desktop. What's more, you can keep the same wallpaper on

both the desktop and the Start screen if you want to make the change less drastic.

If you're on a tablet, it's easier to stick to the Start screen; if you're on a traditional

computer, it's easier to stick to the desktop.

FIGURE (m) – Boot to the Desktop

5. A better store: When it was first introduced, the Windows 8 Store felt half-baked.

In Windows 8.1, it works and looks much better. Having all of your software under

one roof is a convenient way of working, and apps update automatically now as

well. The Store has a new look, with at-a-glance descriptions and ratings that make

it easier to sort through recommended programs and games so you can spot the

best of the new apps on the platform.

FIGURE (n) – A better Store

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6. Skype: Like SkyDrive, Skype is an essential part of the Windows experience in 8.1,

bringing together video calling, audio calling and instant messaging under one

virtual roof that's only a click away (and replacing the Messages app at the same

time). Right from the lock screen, Microsoft promises Skype will be "front and

centre" (which may sound appealing or off-putting depending on whether you

prefer Google Hangouts).

FIGURE (o) – Skype

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CHAPTER 5

FEATURES OF WINDOWS 8.1

5.1 ADVANCED SEARCHING

By default, the new Smart Search in Windows 8.1 includes relevant results from Bing alongside files from your computer and SkyDrive. It won't work for every search - and you can disable it if you don't like it - but it's a useful tool to have at your disposal. One can search the files on hard disk, people from all around the world and anything using this advanced search.

FIGURE (p) – Advanced Search

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5.2 BETTER UI PC SETTINGS

In Windows 8.1 User Interface of PC settings has been modified. Now it is very easy to change settings. Just go to search option and type keywords related to any setting type or go to “PC and devices” menu and then go to any setting you want to change like desktop, Bluetooth, any hardware, Power etc.

FIGURE (q) – Settings UI in Windows 8.1

5.3 APPS FILTERING AND CONTROLLING

The suite of pre-loaded apps bundled with Windows 8 were changed in 8.1; PC Settings was expanded to include options that were previously exclusive to the desktop Control Panel, Windows Store was updated with an improved interface for browsing apps and automatic updates, the Mail app includes an updated interface and additional features, the Camera app integrates Photosynth for creating panoramas, and additional editing tools were added to the Photos app (while integration with Flickr and Facebook was completely removed). A number of additional stock apps were also added, including Calculator, Food and Drink, Health and Fitness, Sound Recorder, Reading List (which can be used to collect and sync content from apps through OneDrive), Scan, and Help + Tips. For Windows RT users, 8.1 also adds a version of Microsoft Outlook to the included Office 2013 RT suite. However, it does not support data loss protection, Group Policy, Lync integration, or creating emails with information rights management. Windows Store is enabled by default within Windows To Go environments.

Now you can go to apps and there is an option to filter or sort the apps by name, date installed, most used and category.

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FIGURE (r) – Apps filtering and sorting

5.4 3D PRINTING SUPPORT

Windows 8.1 operating system supports 3D printing.

FIGURE (s) – 3D printing support

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5.5 SHARED WALLPAPER

In Windows 8.1 you now have the option of making the Start screen use your Desktop wallpaper as a background. Here are the steps to make the Start Screen share your Desktop wallpaper on Windows 8.1.

a) Right click on the taskbar and click on Properties when the context menu appears.

b) Next you will need to switch over to the Navigation pane of the Taskbar and Navigation properties dialog.

c) Here you are going to want to check the “Show my desktop background on Start” setting.

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FIGURE (t) – How to share Desktop Wallpaper

5.6 ENHANCED ONEDRIVE

Windows provides its cloud storage by SkyDrive. Later it was changed to One Drive due to a legal issue and Microsoft was forced to do it.

One Drive (previously SkyDrive, Windows Live SkyDrive and Windows Live Folders ) is a file hosting service that allows users to upload and sync files to a cloud storage and then access them from a Web browser or their local device. It is part of the Windows Live range of online services and allows users to keep the files private, share them with contacts, or make the files public. Publicly shared files do not require a Microsoft account to access. In addition to personal cloud storage, Microsoft offers managed business storage as One Drive for Business.

One Drive desktop app functionality is built into Windows 8.1. If you install the desktop app on a PC running Windows 8.1, Setup won't appear. A setting will be installed that lets you use Office to work on One Drive documents with other people at the same time, but no other features will be installed.

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FIGURE (u) – One Drive

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CHAPTER 6

CONCLUSION

Ratings in depth

Microsoft's second bite at the convergence of PCs and tablets doesn't back away from what we still want to call Metro; in fact, there are more built-in modern apps than in Windows 8, more settings you can change without jumping to the desktop and more options for how you position modern apps on screen.

If you already have Windows 8, upgrading to Windows 8.1 is very simple. It will be the

first app you see every time you open the Windows Store and the installation happens

very quickly. You don't have to reinstall your desktop applications or your Windows Store apps, and all your files are still there (as are libraries and the icons pinned to your taskbar).

If you sign in with a Microsoft account you haven't used before, you might have to use a

code that Microsoft emails or texts to you (if you've set that up in the past) to confirm it's you; that works like trusting a PC in Windows 8 but you don't have to do it as a separate step. If you have Windows 7 (or earlier versions), you have to install Windows 8 (the same process as when Windows 8 first came out) and then upgrade to Windows 8.1.

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CHAPTER 7

REFERENCES

en.Wikipedia.org windows.microsoft.com www.microsoftstore.com Google images www.youtube.com Microsoft-news.com usabilitygeek.com Techradar.com

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