StartMenuEx for Windows

This utility lets you customize the Windows Start Menu, although the new looks it generates won't win any beauty pageants.

The majority of StartMenuEx's features are accessible through its system tray icon. You'll find preloaded theme and icon sets--such as the aptly named Cheesy, IceCold, and Old Classic--meant to enhance Start Menu's appearance. You'll also find preset menu layouts designed for purposes such as working or surfing the Internet.

We like that the program includes a theme editor that allows you to create or modify menu templates to best suit your needs, though you might want to read the help file first. What's more, the Notes feature lets you quickly jot down your thoughts without installing a separate program. Viewing all PCs in your network and your IP address is quick and easy under the Network Tools heading.

The program may have improved the Start Menu's layout, but most of the themes seem to be similar in style, and icon sets were unattractive. Further, StartMenuEx took a while to load the themes and menu layout. Despite the program's drawbacks, users looking to streamline their Start Menu might want to try this freeware application.