Windows 8 Developers’ Preview

Go to

http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/apps/br229516

and download the 64-bin copy with developer tools. The installation is straight forward, just install it on the second partition that you created earlier. I found that the easiest method was to burn a dual layer DVD-ROM and boot off of that. You can select which OS will load by default once the computer boots up after the installation is complete. I recommend that you choose the Preview OS, since the startup option screen for Windows 7 is fairly plain and it is confusing to switch back.

Manually check for updates as soon as you get it installed. There have already been several important improvements. Go to "Control Panel", "More Settings", "Windows Update" to get the familiar Windows Update panel.

[I noticed that the “Microsoft Confidential” message appears and disappears from my desktop with no rhyme nor reason:

“Unauthorized use or disclosure in any manner may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment (in the case of employees), termination of an assignment or contract (in the case of contingent staff), and potential civil and criminal liability.”

How this applies to something that is readily available to the public puzzles me.]

You will want to turn on file name extensions and show hidden files. In Windows 8, you find these options by opening up Windows Explorer, opening the ribbon, and selecting the “View” tab. The appropriate check boxes are on the right.

"Missing" Buttons

One of the most important “hidden” items in the new OS is the shutdown button. You can find it by swiping the right edge and tapping the Settings icon. A better solution is to make your own icons and add them to the Start Menu. 

You will need to go to your desktop and create three shortcuts, Shutdown, Sleep, and Lock.When you create the Shutdown shortcut, use as the location:

shutdown.exe –s –t 00

The location for Sleep is:

rundll32.exe powrprof.dll,SetSuspendState 0,1,0

and the location for Lock is:

rundll32.exe user32.dll,LockWorkStation

Select appropriate icons for each. Runell32.exe does not have interesting icons. You can find better ones in

%SystemRoot%\system32\SHELL32.dll

[These instructions and others came from: http://www.howtogeek.com/77061/how-to-add-shutdown-restart-sleep-to-the-windows-8-metro-start-screen/ ]

Changing Start Menu

Another useful tweak is a program to switch between the Metro Start Screen and the Classic Start Menu -  w8smt.exe. I placed a copy in the “Program Files” directory and pinned it to my taskbar. You can find it at:

http://solo-dev.deviantart.com/art/Windows-8-Start-Menu-Toggle-258422929

I haven’t figured out yet the relationship between programs on your classic start menu, and those on the Metro Start Screen. Most of your familiar ones, like Notepad, Paint, Journal, etc. are still there but don't seem to show up on Metro. This app gives you access to those that don’t automatically appear on the Metro screen.

It is FAR easier to arrange the tiles on you Metro Start screen using a mouse or pen. I had just about given up on tailoring it using my finger when I discovered this.