File Explorer (previously known as Windows Explorer) allows you to open, access, and rearrange your files and folders in Desktop view. If you've used prior versions of Windows before, File Explorer should feel like a familiar way to manage and organize your files.
[*=left]Click the folder icon on the taskbar in Desktop view to open File Explorer.
The View tab makes it easy to change the way files are displayed within a folder. For example, you may prefer to see your files as a list when viewing documents and as large icons when viewing pictures.
[*=left]Select the View tab and then choose your preference from the Layout group.
Depending on the folder, you may also want to sort your files. For example, you can sort files by size, name, date created, date modified, file type, and much more.
[*=left]Select the View tab, click the Sort by button and then choose your preference from the drop-down menu.
In addition to the Search feature found on the Charms bar, you can also search for files directly from File Explorer using the Search bar. File Explorer also offers more advanced search options, which can be especially helpful if you're having trouble finding a specific file.
Whenever you enter a term into the search bar, the Search Tools tab will open automatically on the Ribbon. This tab gives you access to advanced search options, which allow you to limit your search by file type, size and date modified, view your recent searches, and more.
Libraries make it easier to find your files whenever you need them. Libraries are collections of content that can be easily accessed through File Explorer. There are four basic libraries in Windows 8: Documents, Pictures, Music, and Videos.
Libraries do not actually store your files and folders—they simply help keep them organized. You can include any of your folders within a library without changing where they're stored on your computer. For example, you might include a folder of important spreadsheets in the Documents library while still keeping the folder on the Desktop for quick access.
Libraries are especially important in Windows 8 because many of the apps on the Start screen—including Music, Photos, and Videos—use your libraries to find and display content. For example, any songs or albums in the Musiclibrary will appear in the Musicapp.
The apps on your Start screen are optimized for media, making it easier than ever before to play music, watch videos, and view photos. File Explorer can help you organize your existing media files into libraries, so you'll be able to enjoy them from the Start screen.
Files shared between the Music app and Music library
Some folders, such as My Documents and My Music, are included automatically in the appropriate library. If you want to include additional folders, you will need to add them to the library. In the example below, we'll include a folder on the Desktop in the Pictures library without changing the folder's location.
[*=left]Locate and right-click the Folder.
[*=left]Hover the mouse over Include in library in the drop-down menu and then select the desired library.
Including a folder in a library
[*=left]The folder will now be included in the chosen library.
The folder included in the chosen library
[*=left]The photos will also be viewable in the Photos app from the Start screen.
Viewing photos from the Pictures library in the Photos app
Windows 8 makes it easy to customize the look and feel of the Desktop view. In this lesson, you'll learn how to access the Personalization pane, which allows you to customize the theme, background image, and color of your Desktop. You'll also learn how to adjust your font size and text display.
To access the Personalization pane, right-click anywhere on the Desktop and then select Personalize from the drop-down menu. The Personalization pane will appear.
Accessing the Personalization pane
Click the buttons in the interactive below to learn more about using the Personalization pane to customize the appearance of the Desktop view.
You can also use the Personalization pane to customize the font size and text display. Again, it's important to note that these settings will only affect the Desktop view, not the Start screen.
If you have difficulty seeing the text on your Desktop, you can increase the font size. Increasing the font size will also increase the size of icons and other items on your Desktop.
[*=left]Locate and select Display in the lower-left corner of the Personalization pane.
Accessing display settings
[*=left]The Display settings will appear. Choose the desired size. Note that a larger size may interfere with the way some items appear on the screen.
[*=left]Click Apply to save your changes.
Changing the default font size
[*=left]You may need to restartyourcomputer for these changes to take effect.
The People app is the central place for all your contacts, and it's one of the most important apps you'll use in Windows 8. The People app can also be integrated with your favorite social networks, such as ******** and Twitter. In this lesson, you'll learn how to add, manage, and organize your contacts, and how to connect your social networks.
[*=left]To open the People app, locate and select People on the Start Screen. The People app will appear.
[h=3]Adding Contacts Rather than keeping a separate list of contacts for different apps—for example, emailcontacts and messagingcontacts—the People app keeps all of your contacts together. Once you've added contacts to the People app, you'll use the same contact information to send emails, chat, and share files and photos.
There are two ways to add contacts:
Manually entering information for each of your contacts.
Importing existing lists of contacts from other accounts, like Gmail, ********, Twitter, and LinkedIn. If you already have a lot of contacts saved with another account, this method can save you a lot of time and effort.
Connecting to another account will import all of your existing contacts. If you choose to connect to a social network, your news feeds and updates will also be integrated into the People app.
[*=left]In the People app, hover the mouse in the lower-right corner to access the Charms bar, then select Settings.
Clicking settings
[*=left]The Settings pane will appear on the right. Select Accounts.
Clicking Accounts
[*=left]The Accounts pane will appear. Click Add an account.
Clicking Add an account
[*=left]Select the service you wish to use. In this example, we'll add a ******** account.
Adding a ******** account
[*=left]The Connecting to a service page will appear. You will need to sign in to the chosen account.
Signing into ********
[*=left]The Request for Permission page will appear with options and permissions. This page will vary depending on which service you chose. Follow the instructions to give the People app permission to access your account.
Connecting ******** with your Microsoft
[*=left]Once you are connected, your contacts will be imported into the People app.
******** friends imported into the People app
Unlike manually added contacts, any contacts imported from another service cannot be deleted. We've noticed that connecting to some services (especially Twitter) may import contacts that you don't actually need to communicate with. Be sure to consider how often you'll use all of your contacts before deciding to import from any given external service.
If you don't have all of your contacts stored on your social networks, or if you just prefer to enter contact information on your own, it's easy to addcontacts manually.
[*=left]Right-click anywhere on the People app. A menu will appear at the bottom of the screen.
[*=left]Locate and select Newcontact.
Clicking New contact
[*=left]Enter the contact information. At the very least, you should enter a first and last name, as well as an email address. However, you can also enter other information, like phone numbers, alternate email addresses, and work info.
[*=left]When you are finished filling out the contact information, click Save.
Saving contact details
[*=left]The contact will be added to the People app.
Once you've added some contacts, you're ready to start using the People app. It's easy to connect with any of your contacts by navigating to their contact page. From there, you'll be able to see the contact's information, as well as updatesandphotos from any connected social networks. You can also edit a contact if you need to change or update their information.
Sometimes the Back Arrow may not appear on a contact page. If this occurs, right-click the mouse and then select the Home button from the menu at the bottom of the screen.
[*=left]Locate and select the contact you wish to edit.
[*=left]The contact page will appear. Right-click and a menu will appear at the bottom of the screen.
[*=left]Locate and select Edit.
Editing a contact
[*=left]Modify the contact information as desired, then click Save. The contact information will be saved.
