My Start Menu on Windows 8.1

[Berryracer]

Gotta love having the old start menu back

Using StartIsBack RC 4

My HD Wallpaper

 

[StinkyPinky]

What exactly is the point of the start menu? I only ever used it in Windows 7 to do a search, otherwise I never touched it. In Windows 8 it seems even more useless. What would you use it for? I'm curious.

 

[corkyg]

In Win 98, Xp, Vista, and Win 7, my start point has always been the desktop. The Start Menu is for those little used programs that didn't merit desktop space. Now with Win 8.1 and Start8, my start place is still the desktop. Why would I want additional layers between me and my programs?

 

[Zaap]

A lot of us don't want icons all over our desktops for no real reason.

The start menu was one of MS's best OS design decisions. There's a reason it's been copied/emulated by just about everyone. It's compact, (if you don't need it, it's not in your way) yet can quickly drill down to access many apps/settings/etc. using the least amount of screen real estate. There was no reason to get rid of it. The start screen is pretty much the opposite- the absolute most amount of wasted screen real estate, and one of MS's worst OS design decisions.

 

[jiffylube1024]

What exactly is the point of the start menu? I only ever used it in Windows 7 to do a search, otherwise I never touched it. In Windows 8 it seems even more useless. What would you use it for? I'm curious.

A million things. Is that even a serious question?

The search bar/launcher is very important for power users. You can run services - "services.msc", command line "cmd" and startup items "msconfig" from there easily.

If you want to get into your computer and you're a fast typer, for example, it's often quicker to just tap Win Key and type C: than actually find and click on the icons.

-Easy way to get into Computer/Documents/Control Panel/Printers/Pictures & Music

-Location of all of your installed programs - not all of us want every single program/app/game installed to be displayed on the start menu bar, and tapping the start button is a super quick way to get into it.


The start menu is super useful and one of the best features of Windows. Maybe the Windows 8 inteface is handy for touchscreens, but for keyboard and mice users, the Start menu is faster.

 

[StinkyPinky]

A million things. Is that even a serious question?

The search bar/launcher is very important for power users. You can run services - "services.msc", command line "cmd" and startup items "msconfig" from there easily.

If you want to get into your computer and you're a fast typer, for example, it's often quicker to just tap Win Key and type C: than actually find and click on the icons.

-Easy way to get into Computer/Documents/Control Panel/Printers/Pictures & Music

-Location of all of your installed programs - not all of us want every single program/app/game installed to be displayed on the start menu bar, and tapping the start button is a super quick way to get into it.


The start menu is super useful and one of the best features of Windows. Maybe the Windows 8 inteface is handy for touchscreens, but for keyboard and mice users, the Start menu is faster.

But you can do all that anyway. Right click on the bottom left in Win 8.1 and you have all the admin options.

Plus I pin all my apps to the taskbar which is what Windows is designed for.

 

[StinkyPinky]

A lot of us don't want icons all over our desktops for no real reason.

The start menu was one of MS's best OS design decisions. There's a reason it's been copied/emulated by just about everyone. It's compact, (if you don't need it, it's not in your way) yet can quickly drill down to access many apps/settings/etc. using the least amount of screen real estate. There was no reason to get rid of it. The start screen is pretty much the opposite- the absolute most amount of wasted screen real estate, and one of MS's worst OS design decisions.

That's what pinning apps to the taskbar is for. Otherwise your taskbar is just sitting there wasting space.

This is what I do. I have everything I need within here.

The start menu is some retro throwback to Windows 95 if you ask me. Glad it's gone.

 

[Vaibe]

I just wish there was an easier way to search programs, instead of switching over to the start menu and typing, then having it go back to the desktop. I guess it's somewhat similar to the old search in the start menu, but I don't really like the start screen that much. Maybe I haven't toyed with it enough.

 

[Berryracer]

What exactly is the point of the start menu? I only ever used it in Windows 7 to do a search, otherwise I never touched it. In Windows 8 it seems even more useless. What would you use it for? I'm curious.

for me its faster to access my Download folder and videos from there rather than going to Explorer, then navigate to that folder from there

and no I don't need those as shortcuts on the desktop since I don't use them as much

 

[Berryracer]

A lot of us don't want icons all over our desktops for no real reason.

The start menu was one of MS's best OS design decisions. There's a reason it's been copied/emulated by just about everyone. It's compact, (if you don't need it, it's not in your way) yet can quickly drill down to access many apps/settings/etc. using the least amount of screen real estate. There was no reason to get rid of it. The start screen is pretty much the opposite- the absolute most amount of wasted screen real estate, and one of MS's worst OS design decisions.

QFT bro

 

[Berryracer]

But you can do all that anyway. Right click on the bottom left in Win 8.1 and you have all the admin options.

Plus I pin all my apps to the taskbar which is what Windows is designed for.

I hate that so much! I like my taskbar clean not filled with 10 colorful icons which I may or not use

Start menu keeps an easy to access place for all programs that you may use rarely but not on a regular basis so u wouldn't wanna have them on your desktop as icons

yes you can go to metro start and type the name of the app, but I don't want that. I've been using it the start menu way since 7+ years I won't let MS tell me how to use my computer

 

[Ancalagon44]

In before "you obviously just dont like change."

 

[Berryracer]

That's what pinning apps to the taskbar is for. Otherwise your taskbar is just sitting there wasting space.

This is what I do. I have everything I need within here.

The start menu is some retro throwback to Windows 95 if you ask me. Glad it's gone.

that is a pure example of wasted space! I mean you have VLC on the taskbar? seriously? why would anyone need that? usually your video player has the association to open all video files so if you double click on a video file it will open with VLC! see the point? you are just pinning programs like that randomly to have a colorful useless taskbar! and what happens when you open so many programs? you will have no more taskbar space that it will look all crumped and probably will show you a DOWN ARROW to access more

 

[colonelciller]

But you can do all that anyway. Right click on the bottom left in Win 8.1 and you have all the admin options.

Plus I pin all my apps to the taskbar which is what Windows is designed for.

pinning is yet another horrible design decision in my opinion.
pinned items take up a big chunk of the taskbar and look much the same as open program... making one unnecessarily focus to determine if it is an open and running program or just a hotlink to a closed program.

the quick launch bar (which does exist in windows 7) is far superior in my opinion... I locate the 20 most used programs there... taking up a minimum of screen real estate.

for programs that I want easy access to but which I use less frequently... notepad, calculator, excel, games, etc... then they are located out of sight on the 1st level of the start menu.

for programs which i almost never use I leave them where they automatically nest themselves in the start menu hierarchy... completely out of site and out of mind until I need them... and I don't have to remember the name of a program I can't remember the name of in order to launch it... just take a look and it reveals itself.

the abortion of the start screen on a desktop or laptop situation should never be forced on anyone... and the deletion of the start menu and quick launch features in order to push use of a shitty start screen interface is yet another idea that was stillborn before it was ever conceived...

LOVE that BALLMER was canned over this and other fiascos... absolutely LOVE IT

 

[Mem]

That's what pinning apps to the taskbar is for. Otherwise your taskbar is just sitting there wasting space.



The start menu is some retro throwback to Windows 95 if you ask me. Glad it's gone.

Glad it's gone, don't see the big deal with it missing,some people just get too attached to the old ways,I just adapt and move with the times simple as that.

Here is mine with clean desktop UI.

Nice and organised,not rocket science .

 

[Dahak]

I have to be on the side of the start menu too for reasons already pointed out. One big thing that I got used to is the search box. One key (winkey) and I can easily search for a program or file.

With 8 its now a 2-3 button/movement function. which makes it not as quick to get to stuff. plus the search is separate between the 3 items, programs, doc, settings, which they fixed in 8.1 and I am going to give 8.1 another go. But if it cant adjust, a start menu is coming back


Mem -- Nice background, where did you get it, I may steal it

 

[Mem]

I have to be on the side of the start menu too for reasons already pointed out. One big thing that I got used to is the search box. One key (winkey) and I can easily search for a program or file.

With 8 its now a 2-3 button/movement function. which makes it not as quick to get to stuff. plus the search is separate between the 3 items, programs, doc, settings, which they fixed in 8.1 and I am going to give 8.1 another go. But if it cant adjust, a start menu is coming back


Mem -- Nice background, where did you get it, I may steal it

Thx!..I got it from here,plenty of good ones at this site http://www.hdwallpapers.in/digital_universe-desktop-wallpapers.html

 

[fleshconsumed]

pinning is yet another horrible design decision in my opinion.
pinned items take up a big chunk of the taskbar and look much the same as open program... making one unnecessarily focus to determine if it is an open and running program or just a hotlink to a closed program.

I disagree. However, I probably use pinning in a different way than you do. I use pinning for the programs that I run every single time I turn on my computer. For home it's Task Manager, foobar, chrome, and firefox, and windows explorer for example, at work it's the same plus sourcesafe, SQL Management Studio, and Visual Studio. I run these programs all the time, as long as my computer is on, those programs will be running sonner or later. Pinning them to taskbar is a quick way to launch those programs and have them in a consistent orderly manner every time I launch them. To me it's not a space waster, it's a time saver.

 

[Zaap]

That's what pinning apps to the taskbar is for. Otherwise your taskbar is just sitting there wasting space.

Ironic, because as said, yours is the epitome of wasted space. All the Win 8 taskbar is is a weak imitation of the original, with function removed for only ONE purpose- to force people to use the crappy start screen.

Mem, you keep reposting the same screen shots, but it's nothing special. The first is just the weak taskbar that's like a pale imitation of the original, and that start screen- ugh. An abomination of poor design. It's the absolute least amount of useful information presented in the most wasteful amount of space. Different sized tiles, with that horrible mix of flat candy-colors and then mismatching icons, all that random ill-fitting sizes- sorry, but what a mess. What you like about it is that it's different, but different doesn't mean "better". It's not a better solution, and to someone who actually needs organization and doesn't want their workflow interrupted by a screen full of mess, it's the opposite of better- it's much worse.

You keep repeating how you've adapted like that's some badge of honor, but I'll keep reminding you, it's along the same lines as my grandma "adapting" to all the spyware ads she clicks on that then pop up all sorts of nonsense on her computer. Can she adapt to the big flashing ad that's now on her screen and go on using her computer in a way that suits her? Sure. Is that the most logical and intelligent way to use a computer- especially for someone who knows better? No.

Just because something comes along and changes your computer to someone else's vision of how it should be- shovelware from some PC maker, spyware, or some garbage from MS itself, and you get used to it, doesn't mean it has a thing to do with being better UI design, it just means some people will use whatever comes along without questioning it.

 

[Mem]

Ironic, because as said, yours is the epitome of wasted space. All the Win 8 taskbar is is a weak imitation of the original, with function removed for only ONE purpose- to force people to use the crappy start screen.

Mem, you keep reposting the same screen shots, but it's nothing special. The first is just the weak taskbar that's like a pale imitation of the original, and that start screen- ugh. An abomination of poor design. It's the absolute least amount of useful information presented in the most wasteful amount of space. Different sized tiles, with that horrible mix of flat candy-colors and then mismatching icons, all that random ill-fitting sizes- sorry, but what a mess. What you like about it is that it's different, but different doesn't mean "better". It's not a better solution, and to someone who actually needs organization and doesn't want their workflow interrupted by a screen full of mess, it's the opposite of better- it's much worse.

You keep repeating how you've adapted like that's some badge of honor, but I'll keep reminding you, it's along the same lines as my grandma "adapting" to all the spyware ads she clicks on that then pop up all sorts of nonsense on her computer. Can she adapt to the big flashing ad that's now on her screen and go on using her computer in a way that suits her? Sure. Is that the most logical and intelligent way to use a computer- especially for someone who knows better? No.

Just because something comes along and changes your computer to someone else's vision of how it should be- shovelware from some PC maker, spyware, or some garbage from MS itself, and you get used to it, doesn't mean it has a thing to do with being better UI design, it just means some people will use whatever comes along without questioning it.

Tile size I've prioritized big ones for things I use more and small ones for things I use less,again I'm happy with it and that is what counts,I've had compliments in other forums so that should you tell you something with regards to opinions.



You keep saying the 18 year old start button menu is something special which as we all know is crap for touch users and you can only pin limited amount of applications to it ,point is I don't bitch and moan but adapt to any OS regardless so one of my strengths,we can disagree on anything but fact is I just move forward regardless and that includes Win9,10,11,Linux or whatever happens in the the future ,no OS or Start button etc is perfect and I accepted that a long time ago,we all here including you keep preaching the same thing with regards to personal opinions.


As to better UI that's relative to the user and we could argue that all day,I see each OS as they are,no right or wrong but I rather just work with what's present and accept things as they are for each new OS.

Anyway I get my point across without insults and respectfully to other members ,that's what counts.
I'm very old timer that has seen so many changes and maybe that's why I'm not phased or just use to it,does not make it a bad thing to have.
Btw OS has been changing since pre-DOS days so nothing new there,end of the day you have a choice on what to use OS wise so is it a big deal?...Answer is obviously no ,Windows will keep changing and debates like these will continue,I find it easier just to work with the OS as it is,Metro will go,old start button menu will go and something new will come along down the road and the cycle continues.

Feel free to post your screenshots,its open to anyone.

 

[StinkyPinky]

that is a pure example of wasted space! I mean you have VLC on the taskbar? seriously? why would anyone need that? usually your video player has the association to open all video files so if you double click on a video file it will open with VLC! see the point? you are just pinning programs like that randomly to have a colorful useless taskbar! and what happens when you open so many programs? you will have no more taskbar space that it will look all crumped and probably will show you a DOWN ARROW to access more

Guess it's user preference but I see the taskbar like the dock in the mac. It's there, so why not use it? Otherwise you've got this blank ass taskbar stretching across your screen. Yes you can hide it but that's just annoying having it popping up and down whenever you mouse over.

Plus I don't just use VLC for watching movies.

About the search thing...it's just as quick in Windows 8. Hit the window key and start typing what you want, plus now the search screen is larger so you can see more hits at once.

 

[StinkyPinky]

Ironic, because as said, yours is the epitome of wasted space. All the Win 8 taskbar is is a weak imitation of the original, with function removed for only ONE purpose- to force people to use the crappy start screen.

Mem, you keep reposting the same screen shots, but it's nothing special. The first is just the weak taskbar that's like a pale imitation of the original, and that start screen- ugh. An abomination of poor design. It's the absolute least amount of useful information presented in the most wasteful amount of space. Different sized tiles, with that horrible mix of flat candy-colors and then mismatching icons, all that random ill-fitting sizes- sorry, but what a mess. What you like about it is that it's different, but different doesn't mean "better". It's not a better solution, and to someone who actually needs organization and doesn't want their workflow interrupted by a screen full of mess, it's the opposite of better- it's much worse.

You keep repeating how you've adapted like that's some badge of honor, but I'll keep reminding you, it's along the same lines as my grandma "adapting" to all the spyware ads she clicks on that then pop up all sorts of nonsense on her computer. Can she adapt to the big flashing ad that's now on her screen and go on using her computer in a way that suits her? Sure. Is that the most logical and intelligent way to use a computer- especially for someone who knows better? No.

Just because something comes along and changes your computer to someone else's vision of how it should be- shovelware from some PC maker, spyware, or some garbage from MS itself, and you get used to it, doesn't mean it has a thing to do with being better UI design, it just means some people will use whatever comes along without questioning it.

Enlighten me, which function has been removed from the taskbar in Windows 8.1 compared to 7?

 

[Zaap]

A proper start menu.
That lousy menu you have open trying to say it's the same function as the original start menu just proves you're trying to pretend its the same thing.

 

[Berryracer]

a proper start menu.
That lousy menu you have open trying to say it's the same function as the original start menu just proves you're trying to pretend its the same thing.

rofl :d

 

[notposting]

Here's mine: http://sdrv.ms/1gUhpQb

Went with Start8/ModernMix.