Scan & Fix 50 registry issues FREECNET Editors' review
Out with the old and in with the new... but some old habits die hard. Unfortunately, this tagline isn't for an upcoming action flick, but rather the critical reception of Windows 8. There are still plenty of incentives for users to upgrade their OS (especially for all you XP folks... seriously?) and maybe IOBit's solution might just be what the doctor ordered to get many past the tipping point.
Start Menu 8 emulates the classic Windows 7 start menu, both in style and function. Pressing the windows key will open the menu and display a list of folder shortcuts on the right, a search bar on the bottom, and a list of program folders for easy access to all your applications. For the most part, Start Menu 8 looks, acts, and tastes like the old Start button, but also comes with a few tweaks and enhancements.
You can customize individual components of the menu. Want to set a shortcut to open in a new window or a popup? Done deal. Still want access to the default Start Screen without uninstallation? Simply press Alt+X, or set a custom hotkey instead. You can even change the Start button graphic to another image of your choice and deactivate the charms bar. This level of customization is important because at the end of the day, Start Menu 8 distinguishes itself from competitive apps by the way it enhances the Windows 8 experience, instead of just a simple nostalgic imitation.
However, there are also some elements in which Start Menu 8 falls short. Notably, the apps that are downloaded from the Windows store are noticeably absent so any apps that reside in the Modern UI Start screen will only be accessible from there. The native Start screen gives users access to both so this is a bit of a letdown. But then again, for the attractive price of 0.00, it's something we can live with.
Start Menu 8 is download worthy: it has enough encouraging features to cater towards both older and newer crowds and significant levels of customization to uniquely meet user needs. And though I encourage users to really engage with Microsoft's latest iteration, it's undeniable that having a convenient option to switch between the two at a whim has been rather pleasant. Give it a go and see for yourself.
Publisher's Description
From IObit:
Start Menu 8 is specially designed for Windows 8. It offers a perfect solution for users who work with Windows Start Menu all the time and are not accustomed to the new Metro start screen in Windows 8. This smart tool brings back both the start button and Windows Start Menu, and offers the option to skip Metro start page, allowing users who only work on desktop to boot to Windows 8 desktop directly.
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All versions:
4.6 starsout of 15 votes
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Current version:
4.6 starsout of 15 votes
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My rating:
Write review
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"Great app..but comes with something unexpected!!"
Version: Start Menu 8 1.0
Pros
Looks and functions just like the Start Menu in Windows Vista (which I previously had a my OS (Operating System.) I like it!!
Cons
Got an unexpected second app called "Advanced SystemCare Ultimate," which is some sort of security system for the PC. There was no way I could have stopped this second app. It rides "piggyback" to the Start Menu 8 app. But if you need to
the security app, (which I did,) it is fairly easily to do. I was just a bit surprised to see it. There should be a some sort of disclosure that notifies the consumer that the security app comes automatically with this download. Shame! Shame! IObitSummary
The app itself is GREAT!! but just be aware of the "extra" app that you get along with this one.
PLEASE NOTE: Under the "cons" section of this review..it should read.."if you need to UNINSTALL the security app..."
Updated on Mar 23, 2013 -
"Highly recommend this for REAL PC users."
Version: Start Menu 8 1.0
Pros
Extremely easy to set up and oh yes, it does look and feel just like the old Windows 7 Start menu. Microsoft! What were you guys thinking? This program runs great. Now my desktop goes right to the desktop after I log in like a DESKTOP should. App crap should be the option, not the default. IT ISN'T A #$&&$# CELL PHONE! These guys did a nice job.
Cons
No cons that I have found so far.
Summary
I highly recommend this for real PC users.
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"Great program"
Version: Start Menu 8 1.0
Pros
Brings Windows 7 functionality back for those who don't really care for the Windows 8 environment
Cons
nada, don't have anything negative to say
Summary
recommend for all who like win7
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"Exactly what I was looking for."
Version: Start Menu 8 1.0
Pros
I got my old-school Start Menu back, sample look and style that blends well w/ Win8. I like the Classic Start Menu because I like to group my programs and access them quickly and I don't like to clutter my desktop.
Cons
There's some extra room. I turned off some things like "Printers" and "Run..." but the space where they would be is still there but blank.
Summary
I'm on a computer not a tablet and my screen isn't a touch screen. The Start/Apps screen is completely useless to me. I use my computer for designing and writing, I need to get to my programs. I hate Windows 8, its designed for people that just wanna watch videos and play web games.
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"It works great."
Version: Start Menu 8 1.0
Pros
Like I said it works great. Looks just like win 7. Also allows you to customize your start menu.
Cons
I had to search for the setting option to put some win8 things back to normal. Once I found it I felt like a dope.
Summary
Get it, it's worth every free penny.
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"Excellent App"
Version: Start Menu 8 1.0
Pros
I hate Win8. . This gives me Win 7 controls back Wonderful.
Cons
There are no cons that I know off.
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"Brings back start menu to Windows 8 users!"
Version: Start Menu 8 1.0
Pros
It brings back Windows users who use Windows 8 to comfort zone. Since microsoft has convert start menu into start screen, users wouldn't know where to click their newly installed programs and how to turn off or restart.
Cons
Don't know yet...
Summary
Recommendable to Windows 8 users, if you like some free start menu, take this, it was made by IObit and IObit always gives you a chance to try new things, for free!.
Unlike Stardock, who also scumbag in software, has a charge to a little software like this!, how darned!.
However, the one who make the first start menu like this was from Lee-Soft, a maker of ViStart who gives it easier to Windows XP and under users (Now also to Windows 8 users!), but has a lag on Windows 8.
Recommended you should get this software if you are Windows 8 users!. -
"It's free and doesn't require uninstallation"
Version: Start Menu 8 1.0
Pros
It's free and doesn't require uninstallation or reinstallation of something Microsoft intentionally...forgot
Cons
Adds yet another layer between a power-user and the best functions in Windows 7
Summary
This is the problem from my viewpoint: StartMenu8 adds one more layer in the way of a power-user (not a kiddish swiper of photos).
I just hold the Windows key with my left thumb and simultaneously press D with my left index-finger to get to my old Desktop (without the Start button, though).
Ion Saliu
"Microsoft Windows 8: Schizophrenic Computer Operating System"
"Microsoft Windows 7: Computer Operating System Done Right" -
"Bringing Back the Comfort Zone"
Version: Start Menu 8 1.0
Pros
Easy to install, customizable (like the Windows 8 button option), free, can disable it without uninstalling
Cons
None that I have found.
Summary
This is another IObit winner! It's functional, it's free, and it does exactly what I and many others want--it brings back the good ol' familiar Start button, with customizations to do exactly what I want. I'm looking at it as a crutch, of sorts, while I get used to the Windows 8 way of doing things, and then I expect to use it less and less, and perhaps eventually uninstall it. It's in the same category as the Menus add-on tab for Office 2007 and 2010--sometimes you just need a little something to make your computing easier and more familiar when your using something new and somewhat unfamiliar. Way to go, IObit! Thank you!
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"Brilliant - Puts the desktop back for non tablet users!"
Version: Start Menu 8 1.0
Pros
Adds back the functionality for desktop users that Microsoft should make as a windows setting in control panel, i.e. if you are a desktop user with multiple screens and a mouse and NEVER want to poke around on your screen with your finger, then this gives you what you want. I just do not understand why Microsoft can't get this. Metro is to Windows what Duplo is to Lego!
Cons
None, but have a look at "Start8" by Stardock Software before buying either and pick your favourite.
Summary
The developer community gives us what Microsoft should have done right from the start, the option to turn off the awful new start screen and give us back our productivity. I love Metro and the start screen on my tablet, I absolutely hate it on my dual screen desktop productivity box.
