Martin Brinkmann over at gHacks.net has just written a nice article “Going straight to the Windows 8 desktop”.
I read it, and if you’re planning to update/upgrade to W8, I think you should as well.
Start8 was mentioned prominently:
You can get Start8 here: https://www.stardock.com/products/start8/
You can read more about Start8 here:
http://www.ghacks.net/2012/08/16/going-straight-to-the-windows-8-desktop/#comment-1466310
https://forums.wincustomize.com/419676/
https://forums.wincustomize.com/428250
https://forums.wincustomize.com/419445
https://forums.wincustomize.com/419522
http://www.ghacks.net/2012/03/06/stardocks-start8-brings-back-the-windows-8-start-menu/
Really nice plug there!
Myself, I don't mind the new start menu in Windows 8. I use the new start page like a big old start menu and I have all my program icons there. Using the Windows Key I can close or open the start menu anytime I want, a much better way to access your programs than the old start menu. I work in the desktop mode most all the time but if I need to access the control panal or other system items I have shortcuts setup for them so I do not have to do a search and click to get to them. At first I hated the new start menu but after a few days I found a better way and it works very well for me.