There are a couple ways that you can add desktop icon shortcuts for “Computer,” “Network,” “Control Panel” and “User’s Files” to your traditional-looking Windows 8 desktop, along side the icon for “Recycle Bin” which is normally already on the desktop. 1.  Go to the Control Panel of Windows 8 and select Personalization.  How do I get there?  Right click the so-called Start button of Windows 8.  It is located at the bottom left corner of the traditional-looking desktop.  Then, left click to select “Control Panel.”  At the top right corner of the Control Panel, select “View By” and select “Small Icons” from the drop down list.  In the small icon menu that is displayed for the Control Panel, click to select “Personalization.”  In the left pane of the Personalization page click “Change desktop icons.”  Under Desktop Icons select the checkbox next to each icon that you want to add to the desktop, or clear the check box for each icon that you want to remove from the desktop. For example,  check or clear the appropriate check boxes next to “Computer,” “User’s Files,” Network” and “Control Panel.” Click Apply, then click OK. OR 2.  A quicker way to achieve this same result is to right click a blank spot on the traditional-looking desktop of Windows 8.  You should then see the list shown below.  Left click to select “Personalize.” In the left pane shown below, click to select “Change desktop icons.” See should then see the Desktop Icon Settings screen as below.  Check or clear the appropriate check boxes next to “Computer,” “User’s Files,” Network” and “Control Panel.”  Click Apply, then Click OK.