Have you received a new computer for the holidays? You'll probably be surprised that Windows 8 looks completely different from what you may used to. Here are a few shortcut commands that have helped me out - if you don't see the video above, click here.
The most helpful tip is that to search, all you need to do is begin typing! As you can see in the above video, you can find the Control Panel by just typing "Control Panel". Even before you spell it out fully, you'll begin to see results. These results are separated by Apps, Settings, and Files. You can use this searching methodology to find anything that you're used to seeing, from setting your resolution to launching the Notepad
If you want to go back to the Windows experience that you're most familiar with, hold the Windows button and press D to enter Desktop view. Here you'll be able to access My Computer, the task bar and other familiar areas of Windows 7. To get back to the Windows 8 tiled view, simply press the Windows button.
One last thing: Microsoft has not made it clear how to actually shut down your computer! The easiest way is to press Control + Alt + Delete, and then select the power button in the lower right corner.
I think Windows 8 is a great operating system, but it takes some getting used to. Hope you have a great time!