[sc:windows-category ]Windows 8 is a big change from previous versions, one of the most significant changes is the removal of the start menu from the desktop. Several “replacements” have come around and I installed Classic Shell to give it a try.
First off, I have to say that Classic Shell is a very nice piece of software. Full of options and support for just about everything you could image. It is composed of three components:
- The replacement Start Menu
- The Windows 8 File Explorer toolbar
- The IE 10 toolbar
I found the IE and File Explorer toolbars to be not to my liking but I can see where some may find these very desirable.
The real heart of the product though is the Start Menu replacement. It has options for different styles, from XP to 7. It can also override the behaviour of the Windows Key, skip the Start Screen on first logon and lots of other things.
I really like the product, but a funny thing happened (and I kind of thought it would), I’ve uninstalled it now. Not because there’s anything wrong with it, but I’ve found I don’t use it. In fact it was getting in the way. Microsoft has done a good job of building the Windows 8 interface and I find that Classic Shell just gets in the way of that design.
If you’re looking to have the Start Menu back, give it a try, but I’d suggest just seeing if you can use the new interface first. Give it a week and see if you find it better or not.
