Lenovo Tablet User Manual

Getting Started with
Windows 8.1
Windows 8.1 Support Center @ Lenovo
support.lenovo.com/windows8.1
Hello. We at Lenovo
®
developed this publication to help you get started
with the Microsoft
®
Windows
®
8.1 operating system. Whether you are a
new computer user or are simply new to Windows 8.1, we are confident
that you find this information helpful now and in the future.
Contents
• Start screen
• Desktop
• Charms
• Touch gestures and mouse controls
• More Windows 8.1 tips
Start screen
The Start screen is a simplified interface optimized for touch screens,
but equally usable with a mouse or other pointing device. Each tile on
the Start screen is associated with an app, Web site, playlist, person, or
whatever else you find important. Some tiles are animated to show you
the latest information, such as status updates or weather forecasts.
Notes:
• The user interface might look slightly different from the illustrations
due to variations within Windows updates.
• The features marked with an asterisk (*) are not supported in
some earlier versions of Windows 8.1.
You can do the following on the Start screen:
• To open the associated app or function, tap or click the tile.
• *To get to the Apps screen, slide up from the middle of the screen,
or click the down arrow
near the bottom-left corner of the
screen.
• To get to the desktop, tap or click the desktop tile.
• *To search for available apps, settings, and files, tap or click the
search icon
in the upper-right corner of the screen.
• *To shut down, restart, or set your computer to power-saving
modes, tap or click the power icon in the upper-right corner of
the screen.
• *To get to the taskbar, move the pointer to the bottom edge of the
screen and slide down to show the taskbar.
Desktop
The Windows 8.1 desktop is similar in appearance and function to the
desktop in earlier Windows versions. You can run traditional Windows
programs, manage files, and access Control Panel settings on the
desktop. Functions, such as search and navigation to programs and
settings, which were on the Start menu of Windows 7 and earlier
versions are now provided by the charms in Windows 8.1. See
“Charms” later in this document for details.
The desktop provides the following components:
Windows Start-screen control: This control is located at the
bottom-left corner of the screen. Tap or click this control to get
to the Start screen.
Taskbar: This component is located at the bottom of the
screen, next to the Windows Start-screen control. It contains
shortcuts to some apps. You can pin additional shortcuts to
the taskbar. The taskbar also displays icons for open desktop
programs.
Toolbar: This component is located at the bottom of the
screen near the right edge. It contains shortcuts to certain
tools, features, and settings.
Desktop area: This is the largest area of the screen and is
where you can add icons as shortcuts to your programs and
arrange the icons to your preference. You also can customize
the appearance of your desktop.
Charms
The charms enable you to navigate throughout Windows 8.1, perform
searches, access settings, share files, and so on. You can open the
charms from the Start screen, desktop, or any other workspace.
To open the charms, do one of the following:
• Mouse: Move the pointer to the top-right corner or bottom-right
corner of the screen.
• Touch: Swipe in from the right edge of the screen.
• Keyboard: Press the Windows logo key + C.
The following sections describe the navigation functions supported on
both the desktop and the Start screen or apps.
Search
Search for available apps, settings, and files.
Share
Share files, Web links, and other items with others. Full support is
limited to Windows Store apps. Open a Windows Store app, select the
item you want to share, open the charms, and then tap or click Share.
Start
Go to the Start screen or the last app you were using.
Devices
Interact with devices connected to your computer.
Settings
Customize your computer settings.

Lenovo Tablet Specifications

General

Brand	Lenovo
Model	Tablet
Category	Tablet
Language	English

Summary

Understanding the Windows 8.1 Start Screen

Accessing Apps Screen

Navigate to the Apps screen by sliding up from the middle of the screen or clicking the down arrow.

Switching to Desktop View

Transition to the traditional desktop by tapping or clicking the desktop tile on the Start screen.

Searching Within Windows

Use the search icon to find apps, settings, and files quickly from the upper-right corner.

Managing Power Options

Access power functions like shut down and restart via the power icon in the upper-right corner.

Displaying the Taskbar

Reveal the taskbar by moving the mouse pointer to the bottom edge of the screen and sliding down.

Desktop Navigation and Components

Desktop Functionality

The desktop functions similarly to previous Windows versions for running programs and managing files.

Understanding Desktop Elements

Key elements include the Toolbar for shortcuts and the Desktop area for icons and customization.

Customizing the Desktop Area

Personalize your desktop by adding shortcuts and arranging icons according to your preference.

Using Windows 8.1 Charms

Charms for Navigation and Actions

Charms provide access to search, settings, sharing, and navigation across all Windows 8.1 workspaces.

Sharing Content with Others

Utilize the Share charm to easily share content like links and files with contacts.

Accessing Start and Devices

The 'Start' charm returns you to the Start screen; 'Devices' accesses connected hardware.

Adjusting Computer Settings

Manage and customize your system settings using the dedicated Settings charm.

Performing Quick Searches

The Search charm offers rapid access to find applications, settings, and files.

Windows 8.1 Touch Gestures and Mouse Controls

Basic Interaction Methods

Learn fundamental touch gestures (tap, swipe) and mouse actions for interacting with the system.

Switching and Closing Apps

Seamlessly switch between apps and close them using edge swipes or pointer movements.

Manipulating Content

Perform zoom in/out and rotate actions on content using touch gestures or mouse wheel.

Viewing and Displaying Apps

View recently used apps, all apps, and display multiple apps side-by-side on the screen.

Scrolling and Customizing

Scroll through items using touch or mouse and customize tiles or app options.

Additional Windows 8.1 Tips and Resources

Accessing Help Resources

Find help via the built-in Help+Tips app or the Windows Help and Support system.

Lenovo Support Information

Visit the Lenovo Windows 8.1 Support Center for further assistance and information.