My Top Ten list of new features in Windows 8.1

            Windows 8.1, formerly known as Windows Blue, is recently released on 17th October.It is considered to be a comprehensive update to Windows 8.It is available for free to the existing Windows 8 users via Windows Store and is available from 18th October in market for buying.It is updated keeping in mind about the needs of PC users along with modern tablets.Here are some of the remarkable features on my top 10 list you can see in Windows 8.1.

i.)Start Button is Back
             The start button is what most of the Windows users has been missing in Windows 8. It is now back with windows 8.1,although it still redirects to Start Screen rather than the Start Menu.

ii.)Lock Screen SlideShow
             Lock Screen is the screen that appear on your PC when you boot your computer or when the computer is sleeping prior to entering password.

           People started using Lock Screen to put their favourite photos ,so that they can be seen at the very     first glimpse.Now in windows 8.1, you can make slideshow of pictures to make a photo frame that can be uploaded either locally from hard drive or from Skydrive.

          Moreover you can unlock the Camera , answer a skype call and get email notifications without needing to enter a password.


iii.)More Snap Views
          Now you can choose snap views, of two apps running ,at any ratio you  want. For eg: You may prefer 50:50 ratio of snap views of apps as shown in figure below.Also you can have multiple windows of same app snapped together.

iv.) Boot to Desktop
           With Windows 8.1 , you can boot directly to desktop,if you like with no metro in sight. This retains the property of traditional Windows O.S. that may you'd love to.

          
v.)Attractive Start Screen
          Windows 8.1 has added more colors to the start screen.It has also added attractive backgrounds for start screen.One can set a desktop background as a start screen background.

vi.)Reformation of Tiles
            Windows 8.1 features variety of tile sizes i.e.small ,medium,wide and large.Grouping the tiles with specific names is also made easier.You can now select multiple tiles all at once and do operations such as Resize , Uninstall,Unpin,Rearrange in groups  etc.We can view all apps in Apps Views by swiping from buttom and filter the apps by name,date installed,most used or by category.When you install a new app from Windows Store ,it will no longer appear in Start Screen instead you will find the apps under Apps Views as mentioned above and the app is marked as 'new' so that you can choose it to pin in the start screen.

                           

vii.)Improved Windows Store
                    Windows store is much improved now compare to that of Windows 8.It is now easier to find new and interesting apps.Now, there is the feature of automatic installation of App updates in background coming from the store.Also,  there is a search bar at top left side of the store to search the desired apps. Here is the screen shot of the store:

                 
viii.)Easy Search
                   Now you can bing search from start screen without going to the actual app. You can also choose to search from Everywhere, Setting ,Files ,Web Images or Web Videos.

  ix.)Help+Tips App
                   It is the new App introduced in Windows 8.1 ,divided into six different categories, to help new comers to get started easily .

x.) Internet Explorer 11
                     It is the latest version of internet explorer available for Windows 8.1 users. For the detail features of  IE 11 refer to my previous blog post

About Internet Explorer 11

Microsoft Virtual Academy

         Due to advancement in technology , the definition of learning process is also changing. Now, you don't have to merely depend on classical learning process of attending university, sitting the class and listening to the lecturer. The concept of learning process is broadening with availability of internet. You can simply 'Bing' to search the topic you want to learn. But,WAIT...with too many contents over the internet, you may be in dilemma to choose which one is the best.There may be some false information over the internet misguiding you. So, you should be really careful while choosing a proper site. Meanwhile,if you are or trying to be a Developer or an IT pro , then microsoft brings you a great  opportunity to learn online.Microsoft brings you the platform called "Microsoft Virtual Academy".

           Technology is the most dynamic thing in the current scenario. You can't merely depend upon your college/university academy courses to pursue your career as a developer or an IT pro. You have to go beyond it to increase your employability. Microsoft Virtual Academy boost student's employability through various courses and skills not usually taught in your academia. 

             Microsoft is a best platform for students to learn and share knowledge. It provides variety of technologies to boost your career. With "Microsoft Virtual Academy", you can learn variety of courses ranging from C#,XAML, HTML5 to Cloud Services , Sharepoint  Server etc.You can also learn to use visual studio and using it to build Apps for Windows 8.1 , Windows Phone etc.You will get chance  to learn with one of the best instructure in the world.There are thousands of topic you can choose about the technology of your interest.On the completion of a course , you will be provided with a certificate of the respective course. On the basis of your learning , you will get points and ranking.You can win several prizes, based on regional and global ranking, provided by MIC, Nepal (in context of Nepal).

                  So , what are you waiting for? Sign up Here and head toward a next step of your IT career.

                  I will post about some very good courses provided by MVA in my upcoming blog series. Keep subscribing!!