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Adds a start button to Windows 8 and offers a customizable interface

Adds a start button to Windows 8 and offers a customizable interface

Vote: (20 votes)

Program license: Free

Developer: OrdinarySoft

Version: 7.35

Works under: Windows

Vote:

Program license

(20 votes)

Free

Developer

Version

OrdinarySoft

7.35

Works under:

Windows

Pros

  • High degree of customization for menus and buttons
  • Smart folder organization enhances efficiency
  • Hover-based expansion reduces clicks for quicker access
  • Provides a classic start menu experience for Windows 8 users

Cons

  • Search functionality could be improved
  • Requires precise mouse movement
  • No option to disable Windows 8 Modern UI on startup
  • Interface may be less intuitive for some users

An Enhanced Start Menu Experience

Start Button 8 is designed to revitalize the traditional start menu interface for users of Windows 8, but it also extends its utility to Windows 7, Vista, and XP. This software comes as a pleasant relief to those who yearn for a more familiar navigation experience, particularly after the significant departure seen in Windows 8.

Customization at Its Core

Central to Start Button 8 is its deep customization capabilities. Users can personalize their start menu to a great degree, crafting a space that’s both familiar and tailored to their specific needs. A notable addition is the creation of smart folders or "virtual groups," which allow for a more organized and efficient sorting of applications and documents.

Skinning is another area where Start Button 8 shines. The interface provides a selection of skins, including lighthearted ones featuring Angry Birds themes, to more sophisticated aesthetics. The customization extends to the menu’s button itself, offering various designs to personalize the look and feel of your desktop environment.

Enhanced Accessibility and Speed

A significant enhancement over the traditional start menu is the way Start Button 8 handles menu expansion. Simply hovering over an item will cause the submenu to expand, cutting down on clicks and thus improving access speed. However, this efficient feature requires precise mouse movement, and may take some time to adjust to.

Integrated Search Functionality

The integration of a search bar into the start menu aims at providing convenience, but comparisons to the native Windows 7 search reveal that Start Button 8 lags slightly behind in performance. Despite this, having the functionality at fingertip within the menu is an advantage that cannot be discounted entirely.

The Windows 8 User Experience

For those navigating Windows 8, Start Button 8 offers a bridge back to the classic start menu they might miss. It coexists with the Windows 8 Modern UI, meaning that while it does not block access to the newer interface, users will find themselves taking extra steps to engage with it.

It is noteworthy that Start Button 8 does not provide an option to bypass the Modern UI upon system start-up. Many users have expressed a preference for jumping straight to the desktop on booting, and the absence of this feature in Start Button 8 may be considered an oversight.

Performance and Interface

In terms of performance, it is fair to say that Start Button 8 doesn’t outshine the default start menu substantially. Its true value lies in its customization options and the ability to revert to a more classic navigation experience on newer operating systems. The interface, while packed with options, could benefit from refinements to make the user’s experience more intuitive and less reliant on mouse precision.

Conclusion

Start Button 8 definitely fills a niche for users who prefer a traditional start menu and enjoy customization. While it introduces some operational efficiencies, the software’s primary strength lies in its adaptability to the user’s preferences and its provision of a familiar interface on operating systems where it was abandoned.

Pros

  • High degree of customization for menus and buttons
  • Smart folder organization enhances efficiency
  • Hover-based expansion reduces clicks for quicker access
  • Provides a classic start menu experience for Windows 8 users

Cons

  • Search functionality could be improved
  • Requires precise mouse movement
  • No option to disable Windows 8 Modern UI on startup
  • Interface may be less intuitive for some users