So, I decided to check out the new VS Express 2013 for windows, which required me to upgrade to Windows 8.1. I installed VS, created a new app from the DirectX template and debugged it to see the spinning cube.

Now it's the next day, and my question is, how do I start Visual Studio? It's not on my start page. Doing a search for VS Express brings up web pages. Do I have to hunt for the .exe in Windows Explorer? I've been a hobbyist Windows programmer for 25 years, but... I no longer know how to use my computer...

I haven't had this problem since I was 13 years old using a Commodore 64. I am very sorry.

Ok, I had to click the little arrow on the left column of start screen to see all my apps. Then I pinned VS to my start page so I now have a button. Sorry for posting such a question here!

You can also just hit the windows key, start typing "visual studio", and hit enter once it's icon is highlighted.

I find the following keyboard shortcuts pretty useful in Windows 8.1:

- Win+Q will bring up the same search textbox as hitting just Win, but *without* switching to the Metro interface.

- Win+X will bring up a popup menu full of useful shortcuts, e.g. Control Panel, Shut Down, Admin Command Prompt.