The main two gripes about Windows 8 right now is the removal of one feature (Start Button) in exchange for the addition of a new one (Start Screen). The omission of the start button has caused public backlash, especially amongst the long-standing Windows faithful. As a result, people are feeling it takes more and more time to do some of the most basic tasks on their computers. Simply put, Windows 8 was designed to be used with a touch screen. The user interface, the buried, and lack of the aforementioned start button certainly allude to this. So how will you cope? What can do you do to better familiarize yourself with the latest offering. Shortcuts. If you properly learn how to use shortcuts then you will quickly see the vast improvements of the new Windows 8. Note: While there are certainly a lot more shortcuts for your computer, the following are news ways to use the WIN button.

Shortcuts with the Window Button

WIN = Takes you to the start screen and returns you from start screen to previous state. This is very important when multi-tasking between Apps on the start screen and any other programs that you may be running.
WIN+C=Shows the Charms menu on the right side of the screen. This is a lot more efficient and effective than putting the mouse cursor over the right side of the screen to access the Charms bar.
WIN+D=Shows the desktop . This is especially important if you are running programs in the Desktop mode of the computer. Regardless of what you are doing on your computer you will be able to access the desktop with two buttons.
WIN+E=Easy access to My Computer/File Explorer. This is very critical to those who made habits out of accessing My Computer from within the previous versions of Windows Start menu. Now simply press this button and voila!
WIN+I=Bypasses charm bar and goes directly to settings tab (turn off cpu from here). From the settings tab you have access to network connections, volume, brightness, and of course shut down options.
WIN+Q=Goes directly to the Search feature. Have you spent what seems like hours trying to find a basic file on your computer. Look no further than this key that will quickly allow you to access the universal search.

These shortcuts are primarily another option for those looking to both shorten the learning curve of the new Windows 8. The mouse can be a bit tangible to use at times and getting used to these shortcuts will help you in so many ways.