Hey, Mark. I noticed this on Neowin.net this morning:  http://www.neowin.net/news/windows-8-manager-101

You might want it...or not. Does seem to have a load (30) utilities which might be of some use to you...

I did go looking for reviews of it, but haven't found any... just offerings on various free dl sites. Most of those quote the dev.

I don't use W8, so I didn't bother with it... but it might be of some use for you.

There's also a free "W8 for dummies" via Dell (you do have to register to get it) although with your knowledge of computers, I doubt you'll need it. I'm sure you'll have it all sorted in little or no time.

For those who want the free Dell 12 mb manual (which might not have all the pics it should), here's the link: https://marketing.dell.com/windows-8-ebook

Hey Doc, thanks for the heads up on that. However, I'm not too sure about using a 3rd party beta app to tamper with settings and the like.  It may be something to consider later on when more is known about Win 8 in day to day application, but for now is running very well and probably doesn't need and tweaks or optimisation.  Besides, if I were to invest in it, I'd wait until there was proven, stable edition rather than trusting a beta.

Anyhow, you old bugger, how the heck are ya... still forgetting to warm the stethoscope before listening to womens chests?

So out of curiosity how do you switch between the before named Metro to the regular desktop on a default new installation?

On the Metro screen (start screen) there will be a tile that is called "desktop". Click it.

Let's say I want to get back to Metro. How is that done? How is is done while I'm using an app?

Move the mouse to the bottom left corner, click the small thumbnail of Metro that comes up.

But why? Use Start8.

Thanks for the info. I was just curious. I'm still stuck in XP land but if I ever get a new machine I was wondering how that would work.

But why?  Then I'd have the same crappy start menu I had before 8.

(I'm kidding, just pointing out not everyone hates the screen.)

I see W8 ties the user into their Microsoft email account. Can I use Gmail instead?

If you want to use gmail you need ChromeOS.

Windows ties into a hotmail account

Or at least, that is what they think... I do not approve of such lock in

No, it doesn't.  You can still use a local account.

Absolutely agree. This is the type of conduct which cost MS a pretty penny in a European law suit a few years ago.

Just hit the Windows key to go back to the Metro tiles.  Hit WinKey+D to go to the desktop from anywhere.  WinKey+W brings up the universal search.  

There is no lock-in.  If you want to use their store and services, you need an account with them.  If you don't, you don't.  Windows doesn't suddenly shrivel up and die if you don't.

Hmmm, that utility on Neowin sounds like it does exactly what TuneUp Utilities 2013 does Doc. Funny how some of the functions in it are are similarly named, like 1-Click.