Just got windows 8 and wow is it different than 7....or any of the others for that matter...any good tips for me on the best way to use this thing??

If you can't, or don't want to get used to not having the Start menu:

http://www.stardock.com/products/start8/

That will make it much more comfortable on the desktop.

You don't really need the Start menu though, for a variety of reasons, but especially if you've got a keyboard. Just type the first few characters of whatever you want on the Start screen, and it will find it.

Thanks Larry, am starting to get better without the start thing just it is weird compared to the other ones in so many ways...How do you like it with all the new features?

I hated it at first. Wouldn't go back now. Took a while.

My sister-in-law is having trouble getting a DVD to play with her new lap-top (windows 8).

There are probably people here willing to help given more info.