The start button was added back in 8.1, which is a free upgrade. anyone using windows 8 should be using 8.1
I have 8.1 - installed in back when it was offered in October (I think) - but no start button.
After I wrote last reply, I checked what happens when I click on the 4 panes in the corner of the taskbar where the start button always was. It takes me to the tile screen, says START, and then goes to the installed “apps”. I guess that is always what a start button always did but didn’t seem the same.
8.1 plus Classic Shell (FOSS) gives you an interface that is familiar but allows you to move back and forth to Metro. Once you have the ability to quickly navigate back to something you understand, trying Metro is not so intimidating. I got my SO an new laptop for Christmas on which I installed Classic Shell. After just a little instruction, she seems happy and has yet to call me and tell me her computer is possessed. So, in short, I am no MS fanboy (Linux for me!), but from what I have seen 8.1 plus Classic Shell is not that bad.