Windows 8 & Microsoft Love #WindowsChampions

I have been using my Microsoft Surface for a few months now and absolutely love it. The Surface runs Windows RT {which is a mobile version of Windows 8}.

To log in to my Surface, I need a Microsoft account. This account syncs across all of my Windows/Microsoft products and devices. I have a Zune music subscription and I can access my subscription on both my laptop through the software and on the Surface through the music app. It's pretty awesome.

The picture above is my Start screen - which is the "home" screen I view when I log in. The Surface has a touch screen, so everything is easy to navigate with the new Windows 8 app menu. Honestly, I'm not sure that I'd be crazy about Windows 8 without the touch capabilities. Being able to navigate the Start screen on a Windows 8 PC via touch is just so incredibly user friendly.

Windows 8 definitely takes some time to get use to. Knowing some tips ahead of time definitely helps...

• Windows lets you personalize your content. The lock screen acts as your entry into the OS.
• Picture password allows you to personalize your story and you can touch on various areas of the photo to unlock your screen.
• The Start screen allows you to organize apps and content by category. You can create your own unique personalized experience through the lock screen, picture password and the start screen. 
• Search: You can easily search Windows via the Search charm. 
• Apps/Windows Store: Pepperplate app is a really easy way to stay organized in the kitchen and create your own cookbook. When you purchase an app, you can use that app on up to 5 devices. The AllRecipes app is also a great cooking app. 
• Snap: Snap lets you multitask on your Windows 8 device. You can get more done when you snap a second app to the left or right side of your screen.
• SkyDrive: You can store you music, photos, video etc.

Last week Office 2013 was released. I use Microsoft PowerPoint to create all of my files - for my classroom, Etsy, etc. - so I was quick to purchase the new version. So far I am absolutely loving it. More on that in a later post. View all of the free templates available for Microsoft Office.

If you’re a college or University student, check out this awesome deal on Windows 8.

• College and university students with a valid email address can upgrade to Windows 8 Pro online for just $69.99 USD via the Microsoft Store. For more information, check out Microsoft News Center or the Windows blog.

For more Windows 8 info from Microsoft, check out the Windows Experience Blog.

I am a Windows Champions blogger and I received loan of a laptop and may receive other equipment from Microsoft to assist me in evaluating Microsoft products and services for my blogging activity.