From gedeee "
I can't understand why bolting on a startscreen interface is causing so much speculation and negativity. Get over it!!!"
Finally getting through. I really like that quote! I have been advocating this thought for some months. I cannot see how, even by Microsoft, this has become called a "desktop". I , after first examination many months ago, saw it as a Program menu, albeit it needed customising. But didn't previous start menus require customising, to suit individual taste?
I am sure we can all remember, from way back, the odd request for a "hack", to enable those who preferred it to shortcuts on the taskbar or desktop, a way to arrive, on boot, to the All programs, section of the start - bypassing the globe and the initial click for Programs. The only thing that has changed in Windows 8 is that the "Metro screen which a user arrives at, is an expanded Graphical, "All programs", Start Menu. With that in mind, it is very easy to customise it and use it as such.
If one wishes to remain with the earlier system, however, the familiar desktop is one click away. It is a pity that MS did not, having kept that opportunity, did not extend it to also include the old Start menu, for those who needed it. However, there are third party programs, already on the increase, which will now do this for us.