How to install apps in Windows 8

What is Windows without applications? We use them to do all sorts of things, manage our finances, browse the web, connect and communicate with friends, compose documents and a myriad of other tasks. Today, we take a look at how to install applications in Windows 8 using Windows Desktop App and the Windows Store.

Installing an app using Windows Desktop

If you have a traditional desktop app you would like to use such as Microsoft Office or Adobe Photoshop, you can install your application from the Desktop app. Depending on the medium on which application is available, you might see different options on the Windows screen. For this example, we are going to install Microsoft Office from a CD.

Insert the disc:

The following popup menu will appear from the right of the screen, click on it to choose an action.

Depending on the options available, you can choose to run the application or open and view the files on the disc. Some applications might not present an option to Run the program, so you might have to ‘Open folder to view files’ and run the setup.exe file from there. Your options depending on the program you are installing from might be different. 

Consult the documentation that came with your program for instructions about how to install it. Follow the on screen options to install your program.

Wait while the program installs.

Thats it, your program is now installed.

Installing Metro Apps using Windows Store

Windows 8 presents a new paradigm in software development and software distribution. The future is headed in a direction web only for procuring software. Windows 8 embraces this new way of acquiring software with its new Windows Store. Lets take a look at how to acquire and install an app using it:

From the Start Screen, click the Store tile

Wait while the store loads

Once the Store has loaded, you will see a tile based user interface which uses a horizantal scrolling system for browsing the various categories of applications available at the Store.

The store makes it quick and easy to find apps that meet your budget, whether you want a paid app or something thats free, new releases or top applications in the store. Applications are also categorized, so you can choose from. Here are a list of categories available:

• Games
• Social
• Entertainment
• Photos
• Music & Videos
• Books & Reference
• News & Weather
• Food & Dining
• Travel
• Productivity
• Tools
• Security
• Education

Some of the top free applications in the Windows Store

There is just about something for everyone and as Windows 8 approaches launch, you will see even more apps than what is available in the store today.

Acquiring an app

In this example, I am going to download a free app from the Windows Store. For this example, I am going to download Evernote Free.

After finding the app I want, just click on it.

After you click on the app, you will be taken to a description page for the app. You can also view details about the app, such as system requirements along with reviews by other users who have installed the app and screen shots of the app. The page also displays a rating for the app.

When you are ready to install the app, just click Install

You can go back to the Start screen or desktop and do something else in the mean time. When the application is installed, you will be notified:

Application installed and ready to be used.

Go to the Start Screen and launch your application:

Couldn’t be simpler.  

 

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