One of the most talked about issues regarding Windows 8 is the fact that the Start Menu is gone.

The only way to fix it is to of course change the registry: this was doable months prior to the release of W8, but Microsoft patched it, and now the registry entry to change the Start Menu is gone. Of course, we will find a way regardless.

Another thing to get the Start menu back, is to well, literally get it back - just from another source. There are lots and lots of third party programs out there that will replace the Metro Start with a classic Start Menu we're all used to.

One good program is Classic Shell, which I'm using right now. So far I like it, but my OCD nature can't get over the fact that the Start Menu icon is not the classic icon I'm used to. But I know that I can change it anytime.

Here is a website that will comprehensively, yet easily give you choices on how to get that Start Menu back.

http://www.itworld.com/data-centerse...tton-windows-8

Now for my review of Window 8. I'm a Microstan, so I'll prematurely rate this amazing OS a 20/10.

First of all the Bads:

Honestly, it's ONLY a bad, if a problem don't have a way around. Since I already have a way around the Start Menu, 99% of my problems have been solved.

My only bads regarding the Start problem was where was the quick access to the Log Out, Restart, Shutdown, Hibernate Button: I'm very impulsive and I will get frustrated if I can't find what I'm looking for in 1-2 clicks.

Second of all, the STARTUPS slowdown my login time. Now this maybe different in each scenario since everyone uses different services, programs and whatnot, but there are some that are just useless.



I have turned off the ones I think were slowing my computer down. Honestly I think the iType and iPoint are very useless since I already have my OEM softwares for that, and since those two only work for Microsoft Keyboards and Mouse - but we all know we all use Logitech devices


The REAL BAD so far:

No Ad block for IE10 YET. This is a big bummer since I tested IE10, and it's amazingly fast and very efficient. However, I can't visit ATRL without having ads pop up in my face every click. Especially watching tennis online where every stream keeps popping out annoying ads - and trojans.

But the bottomline is, IE10 blows Chrome and Firefox out of the water. They just need to get that Adblock working on IE10

From a IT standpoint, Microsoft MySQL Server doesn't install on W8 yet. I tried installing 100x, but every time the installer starts to unpack files, it just quits.

Other than that, there is really no more bad things about W8 since the Start menu problem already have a way around.

With this said, I'm very proud of Microsoft, and everything that they have done - Window 8 is such an amazing OS. And I know that this will do well.
I mean everyone complained about Windows Vista and Windows 7 and yet they all ended up loving both. People are just apprehensive by nature to change.

Congratulations Microsoft - and soon Nokia

Speaking of which, I'll buy some Nokia shares this week since each share is only 2.56. And knowing that Lumia 920 will be a big hit, I know I can make some good money off the stocks

Your taskbar is so cluttered.

Taskbar >>>> Start Menu.

I just said I'm very impulsive and I must open programs in 1 click. I only use the Start Menu for Log Out, Shut Down, Hibernate, Restart, etc..

Thanks for the tips tho Abel. I'm not going to update anytime soon but the others would and this will be a big help.

You can upgrade, but should you is up to your own decision. However, Microsoft offers downgrade options too for free:

http://www.computerworld.com/s/artic...indows_7_Vista

But Microsoft gave us the "you're own your own if you want to downgrade" option. Other than that, W8 is blazing fast.

You dont need to go to the start me u to log out you just look for the settings charm even on desktop view.

I tried it out at the shops and I didn't know how to close the app to go back to the metro screen

I had a preview on my old laptop and I didn't enjoy it much. I might upgrade but I'm not to sure if I want to.

I agree so much with the shut down/restart button thing. I always find myself clicking all over the place to try and shut down the computer, I always forget to go to charms -> settings -> shut down. I don't have a clue why my first instinct is to hit the start menu/right click.

You can access metro any time thru 2 ways: 1. hit the start button on your keyboard, 2. put your mouse/tap the very bottom left corner... not "close" to the bottom left corner, THE bottom left corner, a little box should show up giving you a preview of Metro .

To close an app on metro mode (not desktop mode - that's easy, just click the 'x', right?) you put your mouse at the very top of the screen until a hand appears, and then drag the window all the way to the bottom of the screen. Not mid way through the screen, allll the way down, as if you were throwing it to the floor. Took me a while to figure that out