Adding customized folders

I have a new Windows 8 laptop coming tomorrow and I'm in disarray... I'm sure I'll play around with it tomorrow and confirm what I've read, that I won't like it, but my search has been to find out how to set it up as to be workable the way I want, or am used to. I've checked out all I can about all the Start Menu program add-ons and nobody has confirmed that I can customize the menu like I want. I'm used to having folders in my start menu organized to link to all the related programs. Like Graphics, that cascades out or expands to all of (or shortcuts to) my related graphics programs etc. I was even wondering if this could be arranged with the MetroUI or whatever it's called. I'm also a photographer, so I like one of MY photos as desktop wallpaper and I've always loved having my gadgets with weather forecast, WiFi Guages etc displayed with very few links on my desktop. I love the system tray with shortcuts to what's running and notifications. Which direction should I be heading here, toward Classic Shell or Windows 8 desktop only?
Thanks for any helpful advice.
Tim

I'm also a photographer, so I like one of MY photos as desktop wallpaper

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Right click one & choose Set as Desktop Background.

David Bailey said:

I'm also a photographer, so I like one of MY photos as desktop wallpaper

Click to expand...

Right click one & choose Set as Desktop Background.

Click to expand...

That's good to know, so you can basically use the desktop like windows 7? Just the start menu issue or building folders (or tiles) of desired program groups.