Start8 is pretty good. It's a reasonably close, but custom re-implementation of Microsoft's menu. Earlier versions had some annoying bugs (rename your computer? Start8 is broken until you uninstall AND also search and destroy all files and reg keys) that may or may not have been resolved over time. I still use (and update) it on a few of my earlier Win8 and Win2012 installations since I did buy a number of licenses.
Classic Shell is free. It has the most customization, but feels the least like Microsoft's menu. I use it on Windows Server images since it's free. StartIsBack I like the best. The Win8 version supposedly simply exposes Microsoft's own, hidden functionality, whereas the Win8.1 version is a rewrite that I have far less experience with. It feels the most native and has a less cumbersome activation mechanism than Start8. I bought the business version, which even allows me to manage my own (de)activations. All are vastly superior to Microsoft's crap interface, but since all are virtually free (less than a decent cheeseburger) if you're only running a handful of computers, it only makes sense to use the best. -----Original Message----- From: hardware-boun...@lists.hardwaregroup.com [mailto:hardware-boun...@lists.hardwaregroup.com] On Behalf Of FORC5 Sent: Friday, November 1, 2013 2:44 PM To: hardw...@lists.hardwaregroup.com Subject: Re: [H] W8 classic menu ? interesting, just installed start 8, MUCHO better. for now I am OK. curious what is different other then the price. ? Cheap enough to try both and the there is the free one, not sure I trust free. :-D I keep a open mind . fp At 10:06 AM 11/1/2013, Greg Sevart Poked the stick with: >Agreed, though I have to echo Bryan's comments - I purchased a bunch of >Start8 licenses, but have abandoned them after trying (and >buying) StartIsback. Date: Friday, November 1st, 2013 ***Caution, Tagline Below *** **Tallyho** ****************************************** Line noise provided by your local telephone company. ******************************************
