I got a new dell for Christmas.It was frustrating to see all the blocks on the open screen but once I looked, it is not that much different than 7.
I put my own blocks on that screen.One firefox the other thunderbird. that way I can click on those to get to my own screen which is the same as I had on windows 7.Same icons, same background picture. The only thing I have not figured out is how to open my picassa pictures. Dh bought the 2 year help so I have that 24/7 if I need it.

If you don't have a touch screen, once again -- put your mouse cursor in the lower left corner of the screen - you should see an icon for the "Start" screen.

Click on that. On the start screen, find the icon called "Desktop" and click on that. Wha-la, Windows 7 is back.

Since the upper left corner always shows the last app you had (sorta like a toggle) if you do get into one of those big-block screens you should be able to always go back to your previous screen (Windows 7 desktop) by going there and clicking, as well.

Placing your mouse cursor in the upper right hand corner of the screen will cause a slide out that contains functions like those contained in the old Win 7 Start menu, i.e. search, add devices, settings, start, etc. If you spend a little time exploring what these do, you'll easily adapt to the new system. You basically have all the options you had before, but just multiple ways to do some things, like start applications.

People with Windows phones will also like the similarity between the new interface and their phones, I guess. I'm personally an Android guy, but Cindy likes the Windows phone.

I like windows 8 once I figured it out. A lot faster than XP.
You can delete all the tiles that you don't want.
I set my desktop with tiles only for programs that I use daily.
Like I use Outlook, Word, Excel, PE Designs. Now I have a tile for each. You just click on the tiles, it goes to that program, file, open, everything is there.
I does take a little time to figure out where to click on the sides to move back and forward.
And forget about updating any old computer with Windows 8, this is 64 bit and I don't think any older computer can run it as they are 32.
One problem, you really need newer software like PE Designs "Next" if you want the speed.
I love 2010 Word, Excel and outlook.
It's new, takes a few days and you will be moving on. Also, you can get a free ebook for dummies on line.

BTW, there's a neat new set of screen backgrounds for Win8 online with lots of new pictures, for those of you that, like me like scenery on your background.

To get to them, right-click on the background screen and select "personalize." On the screen that appears, you'll see in the box called "my themes" a couple of links, one of which is "get more themes online." Click that and your browser will take you to MS's site where you can download and install lots of themes.

Then on the bottom of that same "personalize" screen, you can click on "Desktop Background" and select which pictures to display, and if you want a slide show how often to change them.

Have fun!

One more way to get back to windows 7 screen. On most keyboards, there is a window key between CTRL & ALT. This is like a toggle switch. If you push it, you are on the tiles of Windows 8, push it again, you are on Windows 7.

Some computer shop and stores like Fry's, Best Buy, on-line, etc had cheat sheets that you can purchases for about $4.00, makes life easier till you figure out everything. Plus even if you have been running a computer for years, a person can usually learn a couple things from these cheat sheets.

Good catch!:thumbup:

I am so glad to see all this info on Windows 8, my dh is getting me a new computer next month and I was debating whether to stick with Windows 7 or go with 8. Windows 8 has sure come in with a whisper considering all the hoopla they usually give when they come up with something new.

I just hope my Vista will hold out until something better than Win 8 comes along. I've heard only complaints.

We just purchased a new computer with Windows 8. We took a 30 minute class on how to use it and we are still totally "lost". Vista was so much easier.