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.