I am Microsoftie 4 ever (18+ years) working in Windows Services and Content team in the UK, my blog is mainly focused on the Windows family of products and trying to provide help pointers and resources for customers on our products.
During this recent cold snap here in the UK you may want to give your PC an icy feel with the
Frozen Formations theme
“From minute crystalline patterns to cascading icicle walls, this free theme for Windows captures nature's mastery of the frozen form. “
Download the Frozen Formations theme for Windows
Rob
PS don’t forget all Windows themes work on Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows RT
In a slight twist to last years Top 10 most highly rated Windows articles of 2011 this year I am just looking at Windows 8 articles…
And the top ten:
* this is data for the UK across Windows.Microsoft.com/en-GB
Snakes theme
“The dangerous beauty of serpents slithers across your desktop in this free theme for Windows, in stunning photography perfect for celebrating the Year of the Snake.”
Download the Snakes theme for Windows
Just managed to blag this little beauty (thanks David)…
I was planning to get the Cyan charging shell for my Nokia 820, however may have to change and get the yellow one instead…
If you fancy some spidery web theme to your PC then check out the following 2 themes for Windows.
Wintry Webs theme
“Webs sheathed in a thin veneer of frost appear as if encrusted in tiny diamonds. This free theme for Windows harkens the arrival of winter. “
Download the Wintry Webs theme for Windows
Webs & Waterdrops theme
“Nature appears bedecked in gossamer strands of tiny crystal droplets in this free Windows theme.”
Download the Webs & Waterdrops theme for Windows
“Applications that you install from the Windows Store don't slow down your PC, so you don't need to close them. When you're not using an application, Windows will leave it running in the background and then close it eventually if you aren't using it. But if you really want to close an application…”
Watch this video…
How do I close an app?
Get more help and support for Windows 8
PS its the same for Windows RT
In Windows 8 you use your Microsoft account to log into various services, it used to be called Windows Live ID – Read more about it and it is shown on your Start Screen
One of the questions I have been recently asked is it possible to change it? and of course yes it is very simple to do so
1, log into your Account summary
2. select Edit name
3. change your name and press save
and that’s it, however please note
The new name appears with your Microsoft account online, but it might not appear on the Start screen until you sign out of and back in to Windows.
Learn more about what you do with your Microsoft Account
Following on from a previous post (back in November) and number #2 in the series of My Windows Store Apps* I wanted to share another useful Windows Store App.
*****Disclaimer up front…”I am in no way connected to the developer, have no vested interest in the app (except being a happy customer/user) and am making no gain whatsoever by this posting, neither have I been asked to promote the app by anybody*****
Advanced English Dictionary by Cosmos Chong
Often I have a need to check a spelling definition of a word as part of content reviews. Normally I would just use a simple online search, but today I thought I would see if there was any great Windows Store dictionary app that would be up to the job. After a quick search I plumped for Advanced English Dictionary based on its good reviews and features:
I really liked its simplicity of design as well as its accuracy, plus it is free.
Contrary to some of the reviews, search is integrated with the Search Charm (Maybe it was a feature added later) and works very well, and there are some other nice touches such as a live tile showing last few searched words and how it works in snapped mode. Definitely an app I will use on a regular basis.
Download the Advanced English Dictionary app for Windows 8.
* of course I have download and used more than these apps I am just highlighting some of my favourites …
Snowmen theme
“Formal, casual, action, candid—Snowmen show off their modeling range in this free wintry Windows theme”
Download Snowmen theme for Windows
Pretty handy addin if you are facing this scenario