Written By Kieth Harvey

Some differences with Windows 10 compared to Windows 7

Start Button (menu). This has returned in W10 and very welcome. Differences to W7:

• There are 2 parts to the menu – the left side ‘traditional’ looking menu and the right side composed of the tiles from W8. Each has their own vertical scroll bar.
• In the left side, All Programs is replaced with All Apps. This lists both the existing programs and the new Apps
• Apps, ie programs, are listed strictly alphabetically in the new menu.
• Click the small > on any menu item to see its sub menus.
• If you still can’t find an App or program then try using the Search box on the Taskbar.
• You can’t easily rearrange or rename the Apps menu as you could in W7. However it is possible by renaming or using folders as explained at www.goo.gl/cZ3iO (case sensitive text)
• On the right side of the menu are the tiles that were introduced in W8. Drag tiles to move them, right click to resize , remove or add to the Taskbar.
• To customize tiles, eg weather, then open the tile and look for a settings icon.
• The size of the menu can be altered by dragging its edges
• Right click any app/program in the left side menu so it also appears in the tiled area.
• Give the new W10 menu a fair test as it’s not too bad. If you can’t adapt to it then install Classic Shell to get the familiar W7 menu back without any tiles.

Edge is Microsoft’s new browser. It’s intended as the replacement for the aged Internet Explorer.

• It is faster and more streamlined than Internet Explorer.
• Favorites, History and Downloads are now in ‘The Hub’
• A ’Reading List’ has been introduced the same as in Safari.
• You can now draw or write notes on webpages, save them and share them with others

Internet Explorer is still there. Just search for it in the Search box. If you prefer to use it then right click its icon and select Pin to Start and/or Pin to Taskbar

Search is improved, very fast and searches the computer, internet and The Store. It’s a rather large box. To make it smaller, right click the Taskbar, select Search and then Show Search Icon.

• File Explorer is much the same as in Windows 8. In W7 and earlier it was known as Windows Explorer. The major differences to Windows Explorer in W7, Vista etc:
• The ribbon replaces the traditional menus and toolbar
• Quick Access replaces Favorites
• The term This PC replaces Computer or My Computer
• Libraries are hidden by default. If you use them and want them back again (I don’t) then click the View tab on the ribbon, Panes group, Navigation pane.

Settings replace much of the old Windows Control Panel. However, Control Panel is still alive and well, just type it into the Search box.

Some tips if you are still struggling:

• Right click on the item you want to change to get a menu relevant to that item.
• Hover over buttons and icons to reveal tag text
• Use the Search box to find programs (apps), settings or text in a file or folder name
• Google for the problem you are having. Keep the question simple
• Try the tutorials at GCFLearnFree www.gcflearnfree.org/windows/windows10
• Search YouTube for Windows 10 tutorials
• Try the Microsoft W10 tutorials at www.goo.gl/ZLqDmD (case sensitive text)

Remember – W10 is just a boring operating system. Don’t get too bogged down with it