Windows 8: Where is the Start Menu

The highly anticipated launch of the new Windows 8 operating system had the tech geeks and the rest of us alike a little taken aback by all the new changes to its interface. Designed for optimum mobility between handheld devices and desktops, it seems that Microsoft was attempting to cater to all markets available. While some critics claim that the focus on mobility between devices has decreased its aesthetics and even functionality on a normal desktop computer, others praise it as an adjustment long overdue. If you’re finding Windows 8 to be less than you have hoped for, a computer support technician would gladly be willing to walk you through the changes until you feel comfortable.

Where is the Start Menu?

The most obvious change made by the Windows 8 interface is the quintessential Microsoft tool: the Start Menu. Don’t worry, its still there. In order to reduce clutter on the desktop, the start menu can be accessed by hovering the mouse over the bottom left corner of the screen. But it won’t be the start menu you remember. You’ll find the folder filing system replaced by tiles. Once you take a look at it, you’ll immediately see why this interface is necessary for mobile touch devices. Its very visually oriented with bright colors and large graphics. Some critics complain that it looks too much like Apple, but this change is necessary to make the operating system usable across all devices. But it can look a bit cluttered on a desktop device. The old filing system interface can still be accessed via Explorer.

Is Windows 8 for me?

Unfortunately trying to be the be-it-all operating system, Windows 8 comes across very confusing to both desktop and tablet users. Where did Microsoft go wrong? Here’s the deal: The operating system is quite irrelevant nowadays expect among PC users or as a platform for cloud devices. People want Apps. The problem with Windows 8 is that it is attempting to be an operating system in one app. Tablet users don’t want a desktop browser on their device. It just doesn’t fit. Die hard PC users are now upset that the interface now looks too much like a tablet device and they want their old system back. Its what they’re comfortable with after all.

The good thing about Windows 8 is its high integration. Linking Your Windows 8 with your Microsoft account is optional but if you do choose to link it up, it gives you greater access to what the operating system has to offer. Also there are some larger dynamic tiles that stream information, such as the social tile that updates tweets from Twitter. Something PC fans will love to hear is that all the old desktop applications will also still be available in conjunction with the new Live apps. The start menu now takes up the whole screen, while the old start menu still had the desktop and applications showing at the same time. However, you can easily maneuver between desktop and start menu via the Window+D combination. Simply pressing the Window key will switch you from start menu to apps, rendering the desktop obsolete once you get used to the new way of doing things. Once you get used to it, Windows 8 is actually a lot easier and far more integrated, especially if you get some computer support to walk you through it and show you some things you might have missed.