What you need to know about Windows 8.1

The Start button makes a comeback and users get more personalization options as Microsoft Corp. introduces a shelf-load of changes in Windows 8.1, the upgraded version of its touch-enhanced operating system.

“In Windows 8.1, you’ll be able to do more to personalize the experience on your device,” Microsoft said in a blog post yesterday. “Windows 8.1 will deliver improvements and enhancements in key areas like personalization, search, the built-in apps, Windows Store experience and cloud connectivity.”

Widely referred to as Windows Blue, the update to last year’s Windows 8 will also come with a keyboard-and-mouse-friendly feature as well an option to bypass the Windows 8 user interface start screen and go directly to a more familiar desktop view.

This feature enables users to turn their PC or tablet in a picture frame by using their Lock screen as a slide show of pictures – either locally on the device or by using photos from the cloud in SkyDrive. There is now a built-in camera from the Lock screen to do this.

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Users will have the ability to carry their screen background over to the Windows 8 UI.

The Start button is once more incorporated into the screen but this time, it will not provide the programs Menu. Clicking the Start button will take you to the Windows 8 UI screen.

Microsoft has apparently been listening intently to Windows 8 users. Fully customizable Snap views are now available on Windows 8.1. User will not be limited to the two app, quarter screen view. The OS now offers the option to resize Snap apps to any ratio the user likes as well as the option to Snap three apps side-by-side.

To find out more about the new features and capabilities of Windows 8.1, click here

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Jim Love, Chief Content Officer, IT World Canada

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