Using Windows 8 

Index of Topics:

• Windows RT vs. Windows 8
• Overview of Windows 8
  • Tiles mode
  • Desktop mode
  • Charms
  • Quick Link menu 
  • Internet Explorer 10 (and 11) 
• Windows 8.1 Upgrade
• Enhancements
• Preview Warning
• Using CTI Navigator in Windows 8
  • Navigator Web
  • Navigator Desktop 
  • Emailing MLS Info 
• Related Articles and Internet Links
  • Windows 8 Quick Tutorials by Microsoft 
  • Windows 8.1 
  • Reviews of Windows Tablets, Ultrabooks and Convertibles

Windows RT versus Windows 8

CTI Navigator Desktop and Navigator Web will run in Windows 8, Windows 8 Pro, and Windows 8 Enterprise, but, like all legacy Windows programs, cannot run in Windows RT. Windows RT is a specialized "lite" edition that is designed to run only on highly energy efficient but less powerful ARM architecture processors (as compared to Intel or AMD based processors).  

Visually, Windows 8 and Windows RT tiles screens are indistinguishable. However, Windows RT is locked down to run only software included in Windows RT (such as a special version of Microsoft Office 2013 that lacks Outlook), or apps specifically written for RT and approved and distributed by Microsoft through its online Windows Store. Windows RT also does not allow plug-ins (such as Silverlight) to be added to its browser, nor does it allow any other plug-in compatible browser to be installed.   

Windows RT does allow manufacturer's to produce smaller, thinner, lighter weight, and less expensive Windows devices (largely due to smaller batteries and less processor heat to dissipate). If these factors are most important to you and you accept RT's feature limitations, you can use a Windows RT device to go to CTI's special website for Mobile devices. Here you can use any web-enabled mobile device to search MLS data, display listing details and photos, see property map location with directions, auto-find nearby similar properties, and email an MLS report to clients.

To be able to use CTI Navigator (or any existing Windows software) in Microsoft's new touch-optimized Windows, you should get or upgrade to Windows 8, Windows 8 Pro (recommended), or Windows 8 Enterprise (not Windows RT). These full versions of Windows 8 run on Intel and AMD processors (which are much more powerful than ARM processors, but typically require more electrical power). 

Note. To coincide with the release of Windows 8 in October 2012, both Intel and AMD released new, more energy efficient processors designed to maximize battery life in tablets. Intel's new Atom Z2760 Dual Core SoC (system-on-chip) code named "Clover Trail" is specifically optimized for Windows 8 mobile devices. Intel claims that its Atom Z2760 processor provides battery life rivaling that of ARM based devices while still providing the ability to run any full version of Windows 8.  AMD's new tablet-optimized chip (code named Hondo) with "much improved power consumption" is the Z-60. Both of these new processors definitely do extend computing capabilities with reduced energy consumption for tablets. However, they still are not nearly as fast nor as powerful as the manufacturer's main line of computer processors. 

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Overview of Windows 8 

The Windows 8 operating system is designed to support touch as well as mouse and keyboard commands. This allows the same interface to be used on mobile devices (such as tablets and cell phones), as well as on personal computers (such as laptops, ultrabooks, and hybrid laplets with touch screens). This also means that there are multiple ways to do the same things in Windows 8 (via touch, mouse or keyboard). The following descriptions include mouse and keyboard commands that apply primarily to users of personal computers.  

Windows 8 runs in two modes: Tiles and Desktop. By default, Windows 8 always opens in the Tiles mode.  Windows 8.1 will provide an option to open directly in the Desktop mode (see Windows 8.1 articles in the related articles at the end of this web page). 

The Tiles mode displays Microsoft's unified global interface for both mobile devices and touch-optimized commands. It has no Start button, Start Menu or programs list. Only apps specifically coded for the Tiles mode will run in tiles. However, tiles can contain links to apps that run in Desktop mode. The Tiles mode uses a special restricted version of Internet Explorer that does not allow adding any plug-ins (such as Microsoft Silverlight that is needed to support Navigator Web). The Tiles mode also does not allow you to use any other Internet browser. 

The Desktop mode is very similar to the Windows 7 desktop, except it has no Start button, no Start Menu and no programs list (see Start Menu Note below for third-party add-ons). Any program that runs in Windows 7 (and most programs for Windows Vista and XP) should run in the Desktop mode of Windows 8. This includes all versions of CTI Navigator (Desktop, Web and Mobile). The Desktop version of Internet Explorer in Windows 8 is full-featured, and supports plug-ins.  You also can add and use other Internet browsers (such as Chrome or Firefox) in Desktop mode. 

Start Menu Note: There are several free and low-cost third-party apps that can add a Start Menu to Windows 8. For a review of Windows 8 Start Menu add-on apps, see "How to get the Start Menu Back in Windows 8" in the related articles at the end of this webpage (or Search the Internet for other reviews). Currently, two of the most popular free Start Menu apps are "Classic Shell" and "Pokki for Windows 8". 

Windows 8.1 Note: Microsoft has announced that when Windows 8.1 is released as a free upgrade later in 2013, it will have a Windows logo Start button () that can be set to open a customizable view of available apps (see Windows 8.1 articles in the related articles at the end of this web page). It also will have an option to boot directly to Desktop mode by default. 

It is easy to switch modes. 

• From the Tiles mode you can tap or click on the special "Desktop" tile; or you can press the Windows logo key + D on the keyboard (or just if you have previously opened the Desktop) ; or you can click on any tile that links to a Desktop app.  

• From the Desktop Mode, you can tap on or position your cursor in the bottom left corner of the screen to display and click on the Start "tip"( in Windows 8 or  in Windows 8.1); or you can press the Windows logo key on the keyboard (which toggles between views); or you can open the Start Charm on the right (see below).   

By default, Windows 8 leaves opened apps running. To close an app, you can press the Windows logo key + F4  or move the cursor to touch the top of the window and then left-click and drag all the way down to the bottom of  the screen.  To switch between open apps, hold down the Ctrl + Alt key and press the Del key. 

Both Tiles and Desktop modes have a universal toolbar called the Charm Bar that can be accessed on any screen. You can open the Charm Bar either by positioning your cursor in the top or bottom right corner of a screen; or by simultaneously pressing the Windows logo key + C on your keyboard. 

There are five (5) Charm functions: Search, Share, Start, Devices, and Settings. What the charms do can change depending on which mode of Windows 8 they are opened in. The basic Charm functions are as follows:

• Search: Enter an item to see the search results from the app in use, other apps, files on your PC, or on the web. Select what to search (Apps, Settings, Files, Store, Internet Explorer, etc) below the Search box. The Search Charm in Windows 8.1 will provide an "aggregated view of many content sources" (see Windows 8.1 articles in the related articles at the end of this web page).

• Share: Send links, photos, or notes by mail or social network from any tile app with sharing permission. 

• Start: Open the Tile's Start screen, or, if you are already on the Start screen, return to your last opened app. 

• Devices: Setup or use devices connected to your PC. For example, print from an app, or sync with your phone. 

• Settings: Control a wide range of basic computer tasks such as power down your PC; set volume, time, date, and language; configure user account and notifications; personalize the display; set privacy and sync settings; set HomeGroup sharing and password; update Windows; restore Windows from a system image; and access Microsoft Help for Windows 8. The Settings Charm in Windows 8.1 will give "you access to all your settings on your device without having to go to the Control Panel..." (see Windows 8.1 articles in the related articles at the end of this web page).

Both Windows modes also have a "Quick Link" menu that can be displayed by holding down the Windows logo key and pressing the X key on the device keyboard (or by right-clicking on the bottom left corner of the screen). This menu includes links to the commonly used Windows functions listed below (as well as other advanced computer management functions):

• Programs & Features: uninstall, change, or repair installed programs (apps); turn Windows Features (such as Internet Explorer 10) on or off. 

• System: view basic information about your computer such as Windows edition and product ID; computer processor, memory (RAM), type (32 or 64-bit); and network name, domain and workgroup settings. Also can view or change System Properties such as Remote Assistance Connection, System Restore, and other advanced administrative settings. 

• Computer Management: use Task Scheduler to create and manage tasks for your computer to carry out automatically (such as run CTI Navigator Update Manager periodically to update Navigator Desktop if installed)

• Task Manager: view and/or end open Processes or Services; view and/or disable programs that always startup when Windows starts; view device Performance, app History and Details.

• Control Panel: adjust your computer's settings such as User Account Control (in the Action Center); Default Programs; Devices & Printers; Internet Options; Personalize (Windows themes, desktop icons, mouse pointers, and sounds); Recovery (System Restore); Region (set language and date/number/currency formats); User Accounts; Windows Firewall; Windows Update.

• File Explorer: view the files and folders on your computer.

• Search: same as Search Charm (above). 

• Run: open a program, folder, document or Internet resource by name or command.

• Desktop: view Desktop only (with no open apps displayed).

Internet Explorer runs in two modes in Windows 8: Tiles and Desktop. The Internet Explorer app preinstalled in a tile on the Windows 8 (or Windows RT) Start screen opens IE 10 in Tiles mode. (Windows 8.1 will open IE 11.)

In the Tiles mode of Internet Explorer, the Address bar is at the bottom of the screen. Right-click anywhere on a web page to display the Address bar at the bottom, as well as a list at the top of the screen of open tabs and options to open or close tabs. Click inside the Address box to enter a web address or search term, and to display tiles of your Pinned, Frequent, and Favorite websites. When in Tiles mode, Internet Explorer does not support plug-ins. (IE 11 in Windows 8.1 will allow users to always show the address bar and to have as many open tabs as desired.) 

Warning: entering a web address or clicking on a tile in the Internet Explorer (10 or 11) bottom Address bar that links to a website that requires a plug-in (such as Microsoft Silverlight required by CTI Navigator Web) will cause the website to fail to load properly in IE's Tiles mode. Internet Explorer does not automatically switch from its Tiles mode to its Desktop mode. 

From IE's Tiles view, you can go directly to the same website in IE Desktop view by either 

• Simultaneously pressing the Windows logo key + D on your keyboard; or 

• Clicking on "Page Tools" (the wrench icon) in the Address bar at the bottom of the screen and selecting "View on the Desktop." 

To close a browser screen in Tiles mode and return to the previous view, hold down the Alt key and press the F4 key on your keyboard; or move the cursor to touch the top of the window and then left-click and drag all the way down to the bottom of  the screen. 

To leave a tile app open but switch view to the Start screen, either position your cursor in the top or bottom right corner of a screen and open the Start Charm (see above); or position your cursor in the bottom left corner of the screen to display and click on the Start "tip" ( in Windows 8 or  in Windows 8.1). To close the Search Charm, press the Esc key on your keyboard.

In the Desktop mode of Internet Explorer (10 and 11), the Address bar, Menu bar, tools and favorites icons are at the top of the browser screen, and function the same as in IE 9. Click and type in the Address box to enter a web address, or enter a search term and then click the search icon. 

To set the Internet Explorer tile on the Start screen of Windows 8 to always open Internet Explorer in Desktop mode:

1. Open the Windows Control Panel (in the tiles mode by typing and selecting "Control Panel" or using the Quick_Link_menu)

2. Open Internet Options  

3. Click the Programs tab

4. Under "Opening Internet Explorer",

   • click the down arrow beside "Let Internet Explorer Choose" and select "Always in Internet Explorer on the desktop"; and

   • check the box beside "Open Internet Explorer tiles on the desktop."

5. Click the OK button.

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Windows 8.1 Upgrade

Windows 8.1 Enhancements

Windows 8.1 Preview Warning

Using CTI Navigator in Windows 8 and 8.1

CTI Navigator Web

To use the browser based CTI Navigator Web in Windows 8 and 8.1, open your Internet browser in Desktop mode, and go to the website for your MLS (click here to choose the appropriate website address). Sign-in with your 6-character agent code and password for CTI Navigator. You can save this website address in your browser's Favorites, pin it to the taskbar, or pin it in a tile on the Start screen. 

To add a tile on the Windows 8 or 8.1 Start screen that opens CTI Navigator Web for your MLS in the browser's Desktop mode:

1. Open CTI Navigator Web for your MLS in your browser's Desktop view

   • Note: If you enter your User Name on the CTI Navigator Web website before you pin the link to the Start screen, your User Name will be saved with the link. 

2. Click the tools icon at the top of the browser's screen 

3. Select "Add site to Start Screen" 

4. Confirm that the web address is correct (http://{YourMLS}Web.ctimls.com) 

5. Click the Add button. 

To pin CTI Navigator Web website to the Desktop taskbar (at the bottom of the screen), click on the site tab in the browser and drag it to the taskbar. 

To set Internet Explorer to allow Popups (such as MLS Announcements, Reports, and Print Preview screens) in both CTI Navigator Web and Desktop:

1. Open Internet Options (either in Internet Explorer's Desktop mode or in Windows Control Panel) 

2. Click the Privacy tab

3. Check "Turn On Popup Blocker"

4. Click the Settings button

5. Enter ctimls.com as the address of the website on which to allow Popups 

6. Click the Add button

7. Confirm the address is entered correctly and then click the Close button. 

To set Windows to "trust" (not interfere with) CTI Navigator Internet transactions with CTI's server: 

1. Open Internet Options (either in Internet Explorer's Desktop mode or in Windows Control Panel)    
2. Select Internet Options 
3. Click the Security tab 
4. Select Trusted Sites 
5. Click Sites button > un-check "Require server verification (https:)... " 
6. Click in the "Add this website to the zone" box and type ctimls.com 
7. Click the Add button 
8. Click the close button.

CTI Navigator Desktop

Installing CTI Navigator Desktop in Windows 8 and 8.1 is essentially the same as installing in Windows 7.  

• Click here to install CTI Navigator Desktop from the Internet  

• Click here to install CTI Navigator Desktop from disks .

Installation will place a CTI shortcut ion on the Windows 8 Desktop. To add a tile on the Windows 8 Start screen that opens CTI Navigator Desktop when clicked, right-click on the CTI shortcut icon on the Desktop and select "Pin To Start."  

Emailing MLS information in Windows 8 and RT

Microsoft's Mail app included in Windows 8 can send and receive email from the Tiles mode, but does not support mail code created by apps running in the Windows 8 Desktop mode. To email from a desktop app (such as CTI Navigator Desktop) in Windows 8, first install and configure a desktop email app such as Windows Live Mail, Office Outlook, or Mozilla Thunderbird. (For information on Windows email programs, see "Setup and Use Email Service to Send MLS Information" in the related articles at the end of this web page.) It is not necessary to install a desktop email app in Windows 8 or 8.1 if you use CTI Navigator Web (or CTI Navigator Mobile) instead of CTI Navigator Desktop to email MLS information.   

Windows RT currently does not allow desktop email apps to be installed, cannot send mail from File Explorer, does not include Outlook in its special edition of Office 2013 (see Windows RT 8.1 note), and does not allow plug-ins (such as Silverlight) to be installed in its Internet browser. Consequently, only CTI Navigator Mobile can be used in Windows RT (not Navigator Web or Desktop). Any web enabled device (including Windows RT, Apple iOS, or Android) can send email from CTI Navigator Mobile.  This is because Navigator Mobile sends email through CTI's Internet server rather than through your device's operating system or browser plug-in. 

Windows RT 8.1 Note: Microsoft announced in June 2013 that the Windows RT 8.1 update due later in the year will include the Outlook desktop email client in Office Home & Student 2013 RT (see the Windows 8.1 section of related articles below).

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Related articles and Internet links:

• Apps in Microsoft's Windows Store 
• Cell Phone, Tablet, or other Internet-enabled Mobile Device Access to and Use of MLS data 
• Downgrading from Windows 8 to 7: What You Need To Know 
• Getting Started with Windows 8 (by Microsoft) 
• How-To in Windows 8 (by Microsoft)
• How to get the Start Menu Back in Windows 8 (review of third-party add-on apps)
• Internet Explorer 10 in Windows 8 
• Introducing Office Home & Student 2013 RT (by Microsoft)
• Microsoft Support Topics for Windows 8 
• Mobile PC - Tablet Form Factors and Terminology 
• Setup and Use Email Service to Send MLS Information 
• Tutorial on Using Windows 8 (from NetworkWorld.com or click here for PDF format) 
• YouTube Video "Beginner's Guide to Using Windows 8 - Part 1 - Start Screen and Charm Bar" (by JAGTutorials)
• YouTube Video "Microsoft Windows 8 - Touch Interface for Beginners" (by JAGTutorials) 
• Windows 8.1:
  • Continuing the Windows 8 Vision with Windows 8.1 ("First Look" blog by Microsoft Corp. VP) 
  • First look at Windows 8.1 video (4:31 min YouTube by Microsoft's "Windows User Experience Team" representative)
  • Windows RT 8.1 update to include Outlook 2013 RT desktop mail client
    
  • Windows 8.1 Preview: Selected FAQs

Reviews of Windows Tablets, Ultrabooks and Convertibles

Windows 8 Quick Tutorials (with Video) by Microsoft:

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To return to CTI's on-line menu of Help & Tutorials for CTI Navigator, click here or use the back arrow at the top of your Internet browser. 

To go directly to CTI's menu of Error Fixes, click here.

rev. 07.29.2013