Is there somewhere a published set of directions for doing that on a desktop/laptop platform? Obviously, I can get the Windows desktop, etc. etc. But even there, I spend far too much time wondering where the hell they put something I need, and guessing whether I have to drag the mouse to the left, the right, up one side, or hold my nose and fart to bring up a particular dialog, if it even still exists... It's a terrible user experience for someone who came through all the prior Windows UIs and prefers the simplicity and straightforwardness of say Win2K. I have always brain-damaged my XP and Win7 desktops back to Classic W2K look-and-feel, first thing, and everything is right there. Takes literally 5 minutes, and it's done. Is that possible with Win8? If it is, I haven't seen a list of "Change this, set that". And I've got a company full of users who would love to see that list, too.
> I contend that the Modern (nee Metro) interface is actually easier to use than the old Start menu, and I’m disappointed that MS capitulated to the market in putting it back.
I'll certainly admit that it works better for some people, no pejoratives involved. And I do think it works great on a handheld/touch platform, like a phone.
When someone says, "I hate X, I really prefer Y", I tend to comment: "Ain't freedom of choice great?" or something like that.
Win8 does not provide freedom of choice, the way their earlier UIs did. Like Apple, Microsoft took the "Our way or the highway" view. Unfortunately, Microsoft's way with Metro doesn't suit the majority of people, including myself -- when it comes to desktop/laptop use. Phones are a different matter.
However, if it floats your boat, by all means sail on! :)
The “classic” start menu is not natively available in Windows 8, but I always remind people that Microsoft moved a TON of system stuff to the right-click menu on the Start button. If you right-click on the Start button from the desktop, you can access all of the sysconfig stuff easily (i.e. Control Panel).
What I love about 8/2012 is that they integrated search into the Start interface. Click Start > start typing what you need, and it shows you what you want to see. That, in my opinion, is leaps and bounds faster than clicking a half dozen times to find an installer.
You can also customize the Start interface to show you the Apps menu instead of the tiles, and the Apps menu is designed to be the replacement for the Start menu. It shows you all of the stuff you’ve installed on your machine in all of its disorganized glory, much like the Start menu of old.