Microsoft's radically new
Windows 8 Metro interface promises fast, fluid interactions with
applications, but it's not always clear how to perform relatively simple tasks.
The classic example: How do you turn off a Windows 8 machine?
The answer: swipe out the Charm menu from the right side of the screen, choose Settings, touch the power button, and choose Shut Down. Simple, yes?
Windows 8's Metro interface is anchored by the Start screen, a collection of colored rectangles called tiles that are labeled with text to explain what they are. So the mail application says Mail and has a stylized envelope displayed on it.
The tile to access the Windows store says Store on it and features a stylized shopping bag.
The Start screen stretches out horizontally and may take up several screens that can be scrolled by sliding a finger on a touch screen or left-clicking the arrow buttons in the bottom corners.
