The secrets are in the charms.
I??m Bridget Carey and this is your CNET update.
It??s almost time for the arrival of the new Windows 8 operating system and it??s radically different from any Windows you??ve ever used.
Microsoft is pushing this as the system that will sync across other Windows devices, giving you more mobile freedom.
It looks like an interface for a smartphone or tablet and it also works with both the mouse and a touchscreen.
Because of that, you??ll be seeing many tablet, laptop hybrids hitting stores.
But before you upgrade or buy a new computer, you need to know the differences between Windows 8 Pro and Windows 8 RT.
If a computer is being sold with Windows 8 RT, that means you cannot load any of your old Windows software on that machine.
RT only works with the new Windows apps.
The RT version of the surface tablet is already on backorder, but if you live by 1 of the 23 Microsoft stores in the United States, you can reserve a surface for pickup on Friday, October 26th,
but you have to pick it up before noon that day.
If you??re thinking about downloading the 40-dollar upgrade to Windows 8, now is a good time to check if your system??s compatible; and you need to backup all your files.
You can find a link to some Windows 8 tricks and tips on our blog, cnet.com/update.
It??s always good to study up before you dive in.
Most users will feel totally lost because there is no more start menu button and the options are hidden in a sidebar on the right called the charms bar.
If you have a touchscreen, swipe your finger to pull it open.
If you have a mouse, you??ll have to hover the cursor in the upper right corner or the lower right corner to trigger it.
If you??re ever lost, just remember go to the charms.
But Windows 8 isn??t the only thing we??re preparing for.
Apple will announce details about the iPad Mini on Tuesday.
And as always, you can head to CNET for live coverage.
iPad trade-ins have been on the rise at buyback sites.
Gazelle has seen an 80% increase of users selling back used iPads this month, although it??s mostly from people selling back the original iPad.
The site NextWorth is also seeing a similar jump.
If you wanna get some cash for your old gadget sites, we??ll offer to pay more now before the iPad mini is announced.
And you can get a few more dollars at NextWorth by using the code mini for any iPod or iPad trade-in.
And since Halloween is fast approaching, I have a gadget that could add some fun to an old costume.
It??s called Mega Stomp Panic.
I??m actually wearing it right now.
You hook it up to a belt and it gives you sound effects when you walk.
You could find it on ThinkGeek for $40.
There are 8 different costume options including sounds for a robot, a giant monster, zombies, and my favorite, the 8-Bit Gaming Hero.
Let me show you.
Just move your feet to move extra noise.
That??s your tech news update for today.
From our studios in New York, I??m Bridget Carey.
