[PCWorld]

Post your comments for Review: Start Menu 8 is a free Window 8 Start Menu par excellence here

[ChatTn23]

This should make a lot of folks happy, if they can figure out how to get to the desktop to use it.

I do like the fact that Jon mentioned the crapware that might be installed if you’re not paying attention. More reviewers should do this. It’s always a good idea to use the custom install mode if it’s available, and carefully read the install options. Some of the wording can be tricky and you’ll end up with stuff that only tends to slow your computer down and you’ll have to waste you time trying to get rid of it.

This post has been edited by coastie65: 12 February 2013 - 02:12 PM

[TsarNikky]

Not mentioned is whether or not the standard desktop becomes available. There are many of us who must have at least two applications open with their respective windows at the same time on the desktop. [Hello Windows-7.]

[CF542]

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This should make a lot of folks happy, if they can figure out how to get to the desktop to use it. I do like the fact that Jon mentioned the crapware that might be installed if you’re not paying attention. More reviewers should do this. It’s always a good idea to use the custom install mode if it’s available, and carefully read the install options. Some of the wording can be tricky and you’ll end up with stuff that only tends to slow your computer down and you’ll have to waste you time trying to get rid of it.

I've upgraded to Windows 8 and I also upgraded my kids' PC. Even my sister who hates computers bouht a laptop with Windows 8-no problems at all with using it. I don't really see the use of upgrading then going backward. If folks just give it some time and attention, the new interface actually works great.

This post has been edited by coastie65: 12 February 2013 - 02:12 PM

[Patruns]

For those of us who are perfectly happy with the Windows 7 interface, do not own a Windows tablet or phone and do not have a touch screen, this should just be a built-in choice when upgrading. And if it was, I bet you a lot more people would be upgrading. If you think about it, no one has said Windows 8 is a bad O/S. The ONLY complaint is the interface. Even Vista was not visually a deal breaker, and I did upgrade to that!

[ChatTn23]

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For those of us who are perfectly happy with the Windows 7 interface, do not own a Windows tablet or phone and do not have a touch screen, this should just be a built-in choice when upgrading. And if it was, I bet you a lot more people would be upgrading. If you think about it, no one has said Windows 8 is a bad O/S. The ONLY complaint is the interface. Even Vista was not visually a deal breaker, and I did upgrade to that!

You may be right, but if people are happy with Windows 7 interface I don't see any major advantage to upgrading to Windows 8 right now, especially one with a $200.00 price tag.

I was just recently reminded about when Windows 95 hit the streets from my latest PC World Magazine. The amount of griping about that is pretty much mirrored by the griping occurring with Windows 8 right now. Some of you that were around at the time will recall that the major complaint was the introduction of the start menu button. It required too many extra mouse clicks to get to the programs, where in previous versions you just clicked on the program on the desktop. Sound familiar? Granted, there’s a lot more going on in Windows 8 as far as changes, but people will still probably get used to it all in time. I’m beginning to wonder if CF542’s post more represents the type of people that have lesser problems with Windows 8. People that have not been long term Windows users are the ones having the least problems with the interface.

[CharlesMatthewsaz2l]

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I was just recently reminded about when Windows 95 hit the streets from my latest PC World Magazine. The amount of griping about that is pretty much mirrored by the griping occurring with Windows 8 right now.

I reject that comparison. Microsoft clearly designed Windows 8 for touchscreens (tablets and hybrid laptops), and gave afterthought to desktops without touch screens.

Same way Microsoft gave a choice in Vista to have the "classic" fly-out programs menu or the stupid scroll box Start Menu, Microsoft should have given similar choice for Start Menu or not in Windows 8 for non-touch computers.

For non-touch computers, Win7 is the best so far, once you tame the scrolling "Start Box" problem and the lack of Quick Launch bar. But Windows 8 is a step too far in idiocy for me. I have a 27" 1080p monitor at arms reach. I couldn't touch it even if I wanted to.

I've built computers from scratch,refurbished many more to give as charity projects and to family members. I've installed more software than many people do in a lifetime. I've learned from experience that I want easy access to all the menus, I don't want to guess what's in my folders, I want an up button. Going even further, I prefer a quick launch bar and a task bar -- not an "omni" bar. I loved the old XP "fly-out" programs menu. It let me see all my programs and subfolders at a glance. Thus, I install open source "Classic Shell" even on Win7.


I do NOT want to SEARCH for a program I need. Maybe I don't remember the exact name or spelling. I want to SEE all my programs in a list, instantly. Has nothing to do with fearing change, but has everything to do with rejecting poor design.

[jbarr]

I use, install, and support Windows 7 at work, yet for the past couple months at home, I've been using Windows 8 on a laptop and a home theater desktop, and frankly, I don't miss the Start menu. Hovering the mouse in the lower left corner of the desktop and right-clicking the panel brings up a context menu with 99% of what I need to "get under the hood" from the Desktop screen. The only thing I miss is the list of installed programs, but there are other ways to get at that.

Otherwise, shortcuts on the Desktop, icons pinned to the Taskbar, and icons in Metro are all I really need.

[wolvesdread]

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This should make a lot of crybabies happy

.

Your "crybabies" are Microsoft's customers. Actually designing your product to fulfill the needs and expectations of your customers is generally considered a good thing. Completely ignoring them makes them sad and they cry foul. (and get labelled crybabies by the ignorant) That this fails to get through Ballmer & crew's head over and over and over is as maddening as it is asinine.

Microsoft is late to every technology party and they have been since the pre-Win9x days. But their paranoia over losing market share in markets they don't have results in brash customer hostile "innovation" every time. So, Instead of sticking to core competencies, again and again they bulldoze their way in to markets that are flourishing without them, try to own them and fail while dragging everyone else along in their chaotic wake.

When they do this they also often seem to have an overwhelming compulsion to "fix" things that weren't broken. The hot new college grad junior VP de jour has a whizbang idea and they take a tool everyone was used to working a certain way and "make it better" causing endless frustration to users who would really like their jobs to be about doing their jobs and not about decrypting, unlearning, re-learning, hunt&pecking for lost functionality, figuring out work arounds ETC ETC ETC in the latest major modification of the tools that no longer works as they expect it should.

[MW667W]

I downloaded and use Windows8startbutton.com- it's good for people who want a start button and if you like more classic user interfaces for your media player and such. It's a free software so it's a great option and alternative to the new interface or if you have Windows 8 on your computer (because I find that Windows 8 is more convenient to use on tablets).

[CharlesBlackburn]

Windows 8 is a good operating system. Two things Modern User interface was designed for touch screens. When manufacture and distribution of these by OEM Manufacturers is not in place. It works very poorly with a mouse or touchpad. Second Metro and apps were made to produce a revenue stream just like the new office. But if you look at the numbers it is a failure. When the desktop for windows 8 is really quite nice. It all in what you want, a cute little Tablet to browse and update facebook and linked in, Or a PC to do real work. Startmenu 8 is a wonderful product. Been using now for weeks. As always read all screens when installing any software...

[BearPup]

I think the point of this discussion should be "choice". Microsoft demands users do things their way, which if it works for you is great. But for some of us, the default interface doesn't work. I use Win 7 (I can't use a touchscreen) but neither do I like the Start Menu as its 'presented'; so I use a program called Start Menu 7 from OrdinarySoft. The operative word for this program is "choice".

This program, which I've used for years, opens one single menu with all my programs and folders listed in it. I choose to use it alphabetized, but I could also choose to do it in groups a la Windows 3.1 or any of a number of different ways, including using the Windows Button.

I'm big on choice, which is why I also use Thunderbird and Firefox, both of which allow me to customize the interface the way I like - there is little in the way of choices that are forced upon me, so I customize these programs (and all the other programs I use) in the way that works best for me.

And that's the lesson that Microsoft really needs to learn: let the users decide what works best for the individual, and give us the tools to customize the interface in that manner.

[dlauber]

I tried half a dozen programs that do what Start 8 Menu does, including Start 8 Menu. The best of the bunch by far was Start8 from StarDock.com ($4.99). It was the most stable, easiest to use and set up, and quickest operating. I was disappointed with Start 8 Menu, I think largely because it was not seamless like Start8 and did not allow for the helpful customizations that Start8 offers. Start8 has a 30-day free trial -- try it, I bet you'll like it. (Disclosure: I have no financial or other interest in StarDock.)

[ronin7752]

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I was just recently reminded about when Windows 95 hit the streets from my latest PC World Magazine. The amount of griping about that is pretty much mirrored by the griping occurring with Windows 8 right now. I reject that comparison. Microsoft clearly designed Windows 8 for touchscreens (tablets and hybrid laptops), and gave afterthought to desktops without touch screens. Same way Microsoft gave a choice in Vista to have the "classic" fly-out programs menu or the stupid scroll box Start Menu, Microsoft should have given similar choice for Start Menu or not in Windows 8 for non-touch computers. For non-touch computers, Win7 is the best so far, once you tame the scrolling "Start Box" problem and the lack of Quick Launch bar. But Windows 8 is a step too far in idiocy for me. I have a 27" 1080p monitor at arms reach. I couldn't touch it even if I wanted to. I've built computers from scratch,refurbished many more to give as charity projects and to family members. I've installed more software than many people do in a lifetime. I've learned from experience that I want easy access to all the menus, I don't want to guess what's in my folders, I want an up button. Going even further, I prefer a quick launch bar and a task bar -- not an "omni" bar. I loved the old XP "fly-out" programs menu. It let me see all my programs and subfolders at a glance. Thus, I install open source "Classic Shell" even on Win7. I do NOT want to SEARCH for a program I need. Maybe I don't remember the exact name or spelling. I want to SEE all my programs in a list, instantly. Has nothing to do with fearing change, but has everything to do with rejecting poor design.

One of the best descriptions of the fundamental problems with tile vs. hierarchical organization! Many people -- perhaps most -- don't "think" the way that M$ and Boutique users do. This will be the ultimate demise of "Metro" as a *default UI*.

(I assume you already found that the Quick Launch toolbar can be replaced by a "custom" toolbar. Not optimal, but a workaround for the annoyance...)

[ronin7752]

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So, Instead of sticking to core competencies, again and again they bulldoze their way in to markets that are flourishing without them, try to own them and fail while dragging everyone else along in their chaotic wake. .

Love it! Well said!

[ronin7752]

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I use, install, and support Windows 7 at work, yet for the past couple months at home, I've been using Windows 8 on a laptop and a home theater desktop, and frankly, I don't miss the Start menu. Hovering the mouse in the lower left corner of the desktop and right-clicking the panel brings up a context menu with 99% of what I need to "get under the hood" from the Desktop screen. The only thing I miss is the list of installed programs, but there are other ways to get at that. Otherwise, shortcuts on the Desktop, icons pinned to the Taskbar, and icons in Metro are all I really need.

Happy that you like to "hover". I hate it. I don't like waiting for a machine to make up it's mind. I also hate having to get the pointer into the exact corner pixel before it will even *start* "hovering"! (...So do many of my customers.)

[rgeiken]

On Android and Apple Tablets, the touch screen is a real plus since it would be hard to navigate with the tablet in your hands when you try to use a keyboard or mouse. I am very happy with my Android Tablets, a Nexus 7 and Nexus 10. The truth of the matter is that when you get a new device that handles differently than previous devices that you are familiar with,the only solution is Practice, Practice, Practice. Every time I use it, I am getting more comfortable with my Nexus 7 and have only had it for about 3 days. I have had my Nexus 10 about 2 months and use it with a 27 inch monitor and a Bluetooth Keyboard and Mouse and consider it an easy to use mini computer. Apple and Android do not have the intense overhead that Windows computers do. Most people have never looked in the basement to see what is going on there. That is where all the Windows complexity starts to show up. I am more comfortable around there now than formerly, but try to stay upstairs when I can.

[nabob052]

Works well, but with one major (or maybe designed on purpose) problem. The menu isn't app aware. You have to switch to the metro screen to launch apps. I like the apps., but not the busy metro screen. Start8 and Classic Shell doesn't suffer from this limitation. Classic shell even goes so far as to have a separate app. menu just for metro apps although I like the look of start8 more. Classic Shell is more configurable. Both are more flexible, but only Classic Shell is free.

[BobHome]

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I use, install, and support Windows 7 at work, yet for the past couple months at home, I've been using Windows 8 on a laptop and a home theater desktop, and frankly, I don't miss the Start menu. Hovering the mouse in the lower left corner of the desktop and right-clicking the panel brings up a context menu with 99% of what I need to "get under the hood" from the Desktop screen. The only thing I miss is the list of installed programs, but there are other ways to get at that. Otherwise, shortcuts on the Desktop, icons pinned to the Taskbar, and icons in Metro are all I really need. Happy that you like to "hover". I hate it. I don't like waiting for a machine to make up it's mind. I also hate having to get the pointer into the exact corner pixel before it will even start "hovering"! (...So do many of my customers.)

"Hover?" Why hover? I just mouse to the lower right corner and immediately right-click.

[jazzy007]

Quote

I was just recently reminded about when Windows 95 hit the streets from my latest PC World Magazine. The amount of griping about that is pretty much mirrored by the griping occurring with Windows 8 right now. I reject that comparison. Microsoft clearly designed Windows 8 for touchscreens (tablets and hybrid laptops), and gave afterthought to desktops without touch screens. Same way Microsoft gave a choice in Vista to have the "classic" fly-out programs menu or the stupid scroll box Start Menu, Microsoft should have given similar choice for Start Menu or not in Windows 8 for non-touch computers. For non-touch computers, Win7 is the best so far, once you tame the scrolling "Start Box" problem and the lack of Quick Launch bar. But Windows 8 is a step too far in idiocy for me. I have a 27" 1080p monitor at arms reach. I couldn't touch it even if I wanted to. I've built computers from scratch,refurbished many more to give as charity projects and to family members. I've installed more software than many people do in a lifetime. I've learned from experience that I want easy access to all the menus, I don't want to guess what's in my folders, I want an up button. Going even further, I prefer a quick launch bar and a task bar -- not an "omni" bar. I loved the old XP "fly-out" programs menu. It let me see all my programs and subfolders at a glance. Thus, I install open source "Classic Shell" even on Win7. I do NOT want to SEARCH for a program I need. Maybe I don't remember the exact name or spelling. I want to SEE all my programs in a list, instantly. Has nothing to do with fearing change, but has everything to do with rejecting poor design.

Everyone have their own opinion and I respect your feeling about Windows 8, but I believe you have not truly try Windows 8. First, on the old XP "fly-out" as you mention was not easy to find my programs and subfolders at a glance. Expecially since I had to many programs install. I had to look and look for it and putting them alphabetical order did not works always (It had two alphabetical menus). In Windows 8, if I am in the desktop, I hit the Windows logo key on my keyboad. It takes me to the Modern Interface (Metro) and I just start typing the programs name. As I type, all the programs that starts with the first letter shows up, with the second letter the list becomes smaller and easy to see the program you are looking for. It cannot be any easy or faster than that.

If you want to see all your programs instally in the Modern interface right click any where. A taskbar shows up with a little globe that says apps. Click on it and all your programs, apps, etc shows up where you can see at a glance. BTW, I arrange my tiles with the most use programs as my first group front and center. Easy to use and see.

So please, use Windows 8 before you speak and tell eveyone that your are the tech support of your community and demostrate your ignorance.