Microsoft’s venture into a truly mobile operating system, that can be spread spectrum across all of their platforms, was in theory a great idea.
What went wrong was underestimating the public’s attachment to the look and feel of their Windows XP and Windows 7 (we’ll just forget about Vista) operating system.
With many users still looking sideways at the new stylish Windows 8 interface, and even with the slight upgrades and changes in looks (ha, I laugh at the new start button) that Windows 8.1 has brought on since its release.
For many users out there, this still is not a big enough change to truly bring enjoyment to their personal computer experience.
If you are in “ever search mode” to locate and regain that look and feel of operating systems of yesteryear, there are two great programs that allow anyone of any level of computer experience to install and customize to regain that feeling of comfort.
Classic Shell, a freeware program, can enable a legacy-style Start menu and Windows Explorer interface. You can even have the Windows 7 menu back! But why stop there? Windows XP and Windows Classic menus are available as well. The Classic style will be a comfort to anyone upgrading from Windows 98.
The classic Explorer settings can also transport you into the way-back machine, and users can now have the simple Windows XP style back that they know and love.
A small low impact application that gives you a true look and feel of a Windows 7 interface, while still maintaining the complete functionally of the Windows 8 operating system.
Classic Shell, gives you a true start button and brings back 
that all too familiar look and feel of your dearly departed Windows XP or 7 systems.
Check it out, it even offers a “Shut Down” button. Classic Shell also allows for customization of the new start menu.
Created by Stardock, a company that’s been making Windows user interface mod’s for years, Start8 comes as a free 30-day-trial. After that, you can “unlock” the third-party software for just $4.99.
Start8 does not re-enable the Windows Start menu. Instead, it creates a new menu that looks similar to it. Because of this, Stardock provides a great deal of customization.
Users can make the menu appear Metro-like by giving it square edges, or can stick with the Windows 7 look by giving it rounded edges. It’s also possible to change color, add or remove translucency, and give the Start menu button a custom icon.
And that’s just the beginning. There’s a plethora of options available in the app’s configuration and control menus for users to explore and customize.
Considering its low price and the large number of options, I think this software is a good deal. I even like the optional faux-Metro style.
However, Start8 doesn’t add any new functionality, so users are essentially paying $5 to have what was bundled with Windows 7.
So there you go. Two great choices, it just all comes down to “to pay or not pay, that is the question.”
Remember the technicians at Tech Experts are always ready to lend a hand.
(Image Source: iCLIPART)