It should be known that there are 2 versions of windows 8:
Windows 8 and Windows RT

Here are the main differences:

• Windows 8 can run all regular desktop applications.
• Windows RT Can only run Office 2013 and things that are downloaded from the Windows app store.

Windows RT version should only be found on tablet-like devices, similar to the Ipad.

(It should be noted that Windows 8 does not have a start button on either version.)

Still not getting used to not having that trusty old START menu?

Here are some tips to help ease the pain

• Windows key: Shows the new Start screen (Metro).

• Win + type keyword: Instant application search (same as in Windows 7).

• Win + D: Standard Windows desktop. Also minimizes/restores all open windows in desktop mode.

• Win + Q: Shows all installed apps.

• Win + W: Instant search for settings.

• Win + F: Instant search for files.

• Win + I: Settings sidebar (control panel, network, volume, brightness, notifications, and more).

• Win + P: Shows multi-monitor options, also useful for connecting an external monitor or projector.

• Win + X: Power user shortcut menu (Device Manager, Control Panel, Command Prompt, Power Options, etc.).

• Win + Z: Shows App Bar in Metro applications.

• Win + . (period): Snaps the current Metro app to the right side of the screen. Do it twice and it will snap to the left.

• Win + . (period) + Shift: Snaps the current Metro app to the left side of the screen.

• Win + J: Switches focus between snapped Metro apps.

• Win + Page Up / Down: Moves full-screen Metro app to secondary monitor.

• Win + Left / Right arrow: Moves and snaps desktop applications in that direction, or to a different monitor.

• Win + Tab: Switches between open applications. Similar to using the left-upper hot corner with a mouse.

• Win + L: Locks Windows