Dec 21, 2012 06:23 PM EDT by David EitelbachYou’ve bought your first Windows 8 laptop, taken it out of its box and turned it on, when suddenly you’re confronted with your first challenge: what’s a Microsoft account, and why is Windows asking you to log in with it? If you’re unfamiliar with Microsoft’s brand-new operating system, setting up Windows 8 may present a whole host of similar hurdles. To make your transition a little bit easier, here are eight things you should do when setting up your new Windows 8 laptop.
1. Create a Microsoft Account
Before you even turn on your Windows 8 laptop, you’ll want to sign up for a Microsoft account. Formerly known as a Windows Live ID, a Microsoft account is an email address and password that you can use to sync your settings across all Windows 8-powered devices.
To get an account, head to this page (http://bit.ly/UIpiSu) and enter the required information. You can use any email address you like, or you can sign up for a new email account using either hotmail.com or live .com. You’ll use your Microsoft account to sign into Windows 8, which will connect you automatically to the cloud and let you see your friends’ contact info and status updates; allow you to access files on SkyDrive, Facebook and Flickr; and sync your settings (including desktop themes, language preferences, browser favorites and history, and Microsoft apps and services) across every machine that’s running Windows 8.
     |
    |
- Top 25 Windows 8 Apps
- 15 Essential Windows 8 Keyboard Shortcuts
- The Hottest Windows 8 Tablet-Laptop Hybrids
January 11th, 2013 at 1:50 am
Comparing with Windows 7, I did not like Windows 8 at first. Now Windows 8 seems a better experience after actually using it and reading such tips and tricks. Thank you for sharing. With amazing features, Windows 8 is revolutionary indeed.
February 27th, 2013 at 6:32 am
Any particular reason why, with all the possible attacks, a scripting language designed to be safe (JavaScript), is singled out here? It looks as if you’re playing to the paranoia of 20 years ago.
February 28th, 2013 at 8:29 pm
Derp Anthony^ Be more specific. Things that are designed to be safe aren’t always safe >>… e.g. WINDOWS IS THE VIRUS!…