23 new keyboard shortcuts for Windows 8

Windows 8 has some new keyboard shortcuts that will help you get around Microsoft's latest OS.

(Credit: Screenshot by Ed Rhee/CNET)

If the Windows 8 Consumer Preview is the first time you've had a chance to use Windows 8, you might feel a little lost at first. The best way to learn how to get around the new Metro design and settings, may be to use the new keyboard shortcuts.

How to turn Windows 8 Off

With the Start button disappeared, shutting down Windows 8 can be a challenge. Here's how to coax the OS into turning itself off.

(Credit: Screenshot by Lance Whitney/CNET)

Shutting off Windows used to be a simple matter of clicking the Start button and choosing the "Shut down" option. But the Windows 8 beta has no Start button. So how do you shut it down?

Microsoft has concocted a series of manuevers and keyboard shortcuts to shut down the new OS. Though slower and clumsier than going through the Start button, the new steps at least let you fully turn Windows 8 off.

Windows 8 Consumer Preview First Review

Yesterday I installed the Windows 8 Consumer Preview using VirtualBox. I was impressed how easy it was to setup the virtual machine and install windows 8.

Start Screen

I had already setup my Hotmail account to be associated with the windows account. My email was already in the mail metro app. 

Mail Metro App

After testing several metro style apps it was time to test the desktop. The new windows explorer was something I really liked but something was missing. Where was the start button???