So it’s time for you to buy a new computer. You go out, buy a sleek new Ultrabook, come home and power it on. But… wait. Where’s the start button?! It’s going to be okay. You just experienced Windows 8 shock. Very different from previous versions of Windows, Windows 8 is the first operating system to be designed with both computers and tablets in mind. What’s that mean? Your traditional start menu is no longer what it was. But don’t worry! A whole bunch of companies have made programs to emulate the start menu you found in Windows 7 and earlier. Some even let you switch directly to the desktop when you first log in. Applications like Start8, StartIsBack and RetroUI all make up for Windows 8’s lack of a start menu, while Classic Shell sends things way back to make your computer look like it’s running Windows XP. If you still can’t stand Windows 8 and are ready to throw your shiny new laptop out the window, follow me at @ShellyPalmer on Twitter to learn all about how to save your new computer.
About Shelly Palmer
Shelly Palmer is the Professor of Advanced Media in Residence at Syracuse University’s S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications and CEO of The Palmer Group, a consulting practice that helps Fortune 500 companies with technology, media and marketing. Named LinkedIn’s “Top Voice in Technology,” he covers tech and business for Good Day New York, is a regular commentator on CNN and writes a popular daily business blog. He's a bestselling author, and the creator of the popular, free online course, Generative AI for Execs. Follow @shellypalmer or visit shellypalmer.com.