Hello Lisa,
It does not make sense to take the time to learn Windows 7 at this point when switching from Windows XP.  You are going to have to learn something new, so it might as well be the newest OS, since you will have to spend the time learning something new anyway.

Just my 2 cents worth.
Terri

-----Original Message-----
From: Visually Impaired Computer Users' Group List [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Ana G
Sent: Tuesday, April 08, 2014 5:10 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [VICUG-L] another question about upgrading from windows xp

Lisa,

Windows 8 has two interfaces, the desktop and a cell-phone like metro area. To switch between the two, just press the Start key. Sighted people tend to forget the start key is also on the keyboard. In fact, when I told a friend of mine to hit it, she told me her keyboard was normal, not a special blind-person keyboard with extra keys. Anyway, you can also get to the desktop by pressing Windows+m as you can in other versions of the OS.

To tell Windows to go directly to the desktop after booting, tab to the toolbar, press alt+enter, and go through the items in the dialogs. I think you want to go into the Navigation tab (ctrl+tab) and check an item that says something like Go to Desktop After Logging In.

You can still put icons on the desktop though more steps are involved. 
I've posted instructions for that on this list. When you get your machine, I can try to find the link.

The only reason to get a Windows 7 computer at this point is to save money by buying a clearance item.

Ciao


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