Windows 8 Metro UI vs Desktop Mode

I’ve been using windows 8 for the last couple months.  Instead of putting it on a tablet I loaded the new software on an old laptop and this adds to the learning curve.   Windows 8 is obviously meant for a touch screen computer, not necessarily an old laptop.  Yet it is giving me part of the experience.

One of the differences is that, at least on a laptop, I’m working in two screens.  One screen reminds me of my windows phone.   It’s called the Metro UI.  This UI is called the home screen with tiles for all the applications and favorites.  If you can’t see an app… say for example a CMD window… just start typing the command anywhere on the background.  Windows 8 will try to guess what you are looking for.  It’s not intuitive, but after you get used to it, it’s like there are no rules.  Typing on the background first felt like writing on the wall with crayon.  But actually I like it better than opening the command window from Windows 7 and Vista. 

The other screen is desktop mode.  It looks like the traditional desktop, without the little button at the bottom left where in Windows 7 you bring up the applications menu.  I’ve been using the Window Key to pop back and forth between the two modes.   Window + I gives you the settings menu.  This is another location where control panel, network connections and other settings can be accessed.   Window + F allow you to find applications, files and even gives you the search field.