Windows 10 – Start menu

Continuing our look at Windows 10 we’re moving on to the Start Menu. After its hiatus in Windows 8 it’s made a much demanded return in Windows 10.

Before even opening the Start menu you will notice that the search bar introduced to the Start menu in Windows 7 has moved to sit in the toolbar permanently. Move your focus here and it opens a window ready to display your search results, either from the web or your computer. This is the home of Cortana, your virtual assistant, Microsoft’s answer to Google Now and Siri. There’s a lot to say about Cortana so we’ll get to know her in a separate blog post.

Moving away from the search box and selecting the Windows icon on the toolbar opens a familiar looking window but with some differences.

A list of All Programs has been replaced by All apps. Selecting this provides a list of all the programs installed on your computer, in alphabetical order. We also have the option to open File Explorer, Settings and Power options. It’s a less cluttered Start menu and easier to navigate as a result. You can pin and unpin items to your heart’s content! Though if you’re anything like me, to find anything, you already default to the search bar in Windows 7 and Windows 10 builds on that idea.

Then to the right of the menu we have live tiles. The idea of a live tile will be familiar to anyone who has worked with Windows 8. These tiles relate to a program on your computer and can display relevant information for that day. Think calendar, email or the weather. These tiles can be swapped, moved, resized or removed entirely. Just right click on the relevant tile to make your choices. Live tiles are great for people who want information in bitesize pieces or like the easily accessible prompt.

windows10-start-menu

So some potential there to make the Start menu work better for you. Check back for more on Cortana (Let me know in the comments if you’re a Halo fan!)

 

Office 2013 – Changing your theme

Office 2013 is coming to the University of Stirling for staff and lab computers. Cue echoes of ‘Where’s that button gone?’ and ‘Why have they changed that?’ around the campus. Don’t panic – we’re here to help. And we’ve already been asked one question several times.

How do I change my Office 2013 theme?

Office 2013 comes with a stylish new look but all these softer colour schemes and pretty patterns can mean less contrast and a spot of eye strain.

Here’s a couple of things to try that might help.

In any Office application open the File menu and select Options. Under the General tab you will find two drop down menus labelled Office Background and Office Theme.

Office background changes the patterns in the menu bar. Select No Background to be clutter free.

Office Theme makes the biggest change. Here you can choose from White, Light Grey and Dark Grey for the Office background. I say the biggest change…I’m afraid it doesn’t give the high contrast you might be looking for but choosing the Dark Grey does help a little, especially in the menus.

Need more contrast? You will have to change the colour scheme for Windows as a whole. On your keyboard press Alt + Shift + Print Screen to switch to the Windows High Contrast scheme. Use the same keystroke to turn it off again. Give it a go – you might like it!

Still not what you’re looking for? Contact the Disability Service and we’ll try to help.