How are YOU using your Start Screen?

[znod]

The start screen for me is a startup-to-the-app-I-want-to-use-next/conduit-to-the-desktop-to-use-it screen--with minor exception. Ignoring the few exceptions, the programs on my start screen are a subset of the programs I would tend to first want to access and use on the desktop upon leaving the start screen, for example, after starting up to it. Here is a pic of what I am trying to say.

 

[schemula]

I use the start screen as a start screen, but I mostly use the taskbar in desktop mode.

Some things are in the start screen that I do not keep on the taskbar, but if it's a program I use a lot, it's probably on the taskbar. I keep icons on my desktop so My Computer and Control Panel are desktop icons.

The Apps from the Store are ok. I would not say I have to have any of them. I use the weather one a lot. The other ones, not so much. I expect some of the apps will develop nicely, but, so far, I prefer using the browser for espn, hulu, netflix, etc.

I did not use the Start Menu that much either in previous versions of Windows.

I don't hate the new start screen, I never really used the windows flag key before, but it's not an essential part of my workflow.

 

[JOD]

I use the Start Screen for a general overview, several shortcuts for MS Office, PDF reader etc., just trying to keep everything on a single screen (no swiping left/right). On my desktop, I am using Start8 by Stardock - with the Win8 style of Start menu As I have always used start menu basically for Win+search and shutdown, I am happy. Sometimes, from Start Screen, I even go to mail - I just like the Metro full screen view of the apps (and in Office 2013 too...).

 

[znod]

Yes, I try to avoid having to move (scroll in my case) right also.

 

[hugoboss]

as the launchpad to everything, programs, themes, websites, wallpapers, settings, files, etc.
The Windows key is boss !

 

[CeejayMode]

I use it basically for app suites I have, I find the organization nice. It'd be good if I could get it like that on desktop (like, the suites in a box thing on my desktop instead of shortcuts in a folder for Adobe CS6 Master Collection and MSOFFICE 2013).

I'd enjoy the Start Screen more if you could edit the tiles with custom full tile images (like a custom grid image in Steam or Launcher7 )

 

[whs]

The start screen for me is a startup-to-the-app-I-want-to-use-next/conduit-to-the-desktop-to-use-it screen--with minor exception. Ignoring the few exceptions, the programs on my start screen are a subset of the programs I would tend to first want to access and use on the desktop upon leaving the start screen, for example, after starting up to it. Here is a pic of what I am trying to say.

That is a nice start screen. How did you manage to get a wallpaper as background.

 

[whs]

The start screen for me is a startup-to-the-app-I-want-to-use-next/conduit-to-the-desktop-to-use-it screen--with minor exception. Ignoring the few exceptions, the programs on my start screen are a subset of the programs I would tend to first want to access and use on the desktop upon leaving the start screen, for example, after starting up to it. Here is a pic of what I am trying to say.

That is a nice start screen. How did you manage to get a wallpaper as background.

 

[znod]

Thanks very much. Check out option 2 in this tutorial.

 

[JOD]

That is a nice start screen. How did you manage to get a wallpaper as background.

Not directed at me, but I am using Decor8 by Stardock to achieve this.

 

[jeffrys]

Need i say, i use the start screen.....no i guess not.

Jeff

 

[Rickkins]

Not using it at all, never will.

 

[Mustang]

Tried it for many months ad nauseum!

In the end dumped it totally. Use Ex7ForW8 with Ex 7 Shell and migrated Win7 Orb Start Menu.

Happy camper now!

 

[David Bailey]

 

[symbiont]

Not using it. Not because I am totally against it, or I hate it - but simply because I have no need for it, and they haven't given me any compelling reason to want to use it.

To launch a program? Why, I can do that any one of 5 different ways from desktop, with much less wasted space.
To check the weather, news, reddit? Why, I can do that from my browser.

I could go on but there's no point. I can do everything that I need to do without ever entering the Start Screen. Want me to use it MS? Give me a reason, since right now it is severely underwhelming.

 

[Mystere]

You know, the same argument can be made for almost anything. Why use a computer? I have pen and paper! Why use a car? I have a horse!

The fact is, most things in our life are doable in other ways. We just decide we like doing them in the way we do them.

I get a kick out of all the people that say what you are, that Microsoft hasn't given you a reason to like something.. But how would you know? You never use it!

 

[znod]

Some of you may be interested in this poll/topic--having to do with general preferences for using metro versus the desktop.

 

[Coke Robot]

Not using it. Not because I am totally against it, or I hate it - but simply because I have no need for it, and they haven't given me any compelling reason to want to use it.

To launch a program? Why, I can do that any one of 5 different ways from desktop, with much less wasted space.
To check the weather, news, reddit? Why, I can do that from my browser.

I could go on but there's no point. I can do everything that I need to do without ever entering the Start Screen. Want me to use it MS? Give me a reason, since right now it is severely underwhelming.

By saying you do everything in a browser on the internet..THAT is literally the main reason for the Start Screen. Live tiles feed information from the internet into an easy to view format. Microsoft describes the browser use as "booting up twice." Once to boot into Windows, again for an internet browser. The main function of the OS is pointless, the need for a File Explorer, Group Policy, Task Manager are pointless when you're in a browser window with eight tabs open just to check for any new feed updates. You are using Window, not Windows. The new Windows that are live tiles.

 

[walex]

What Start Screen? Oh! you mean the screen I play solitaire on. That is it, I have a desktop and Classic shell
boots me to the desktop, there I stay. Unless I play a card game..


walex

 

[symbiont]

By saying you do everything in a browser on the internet..THAT is literally the main reason for the Start Screen. Live tiles feed information from the internet into an easy to view format. Microsoft describes the browser use as "booting up twice." Once to boot into Windows, again for an internet browser. The main function of the OS is pointless, the need for a File Explorer, Group Policy, Task Manager are pointless when you're in a browser window with eight tabs open just to check for any new feed updates. You are using Window, not Windows. The new Windows that are live tiles.

Who said anything about having to open up 8 tabs? So much over exaggeration. As of right now, Live Tiles are a gimmick. If for example, on a multi display setup - you could force the Start Screen to stay open on one display then they might be of some use. But to flip to the Start Screen to view such limited information on the face of a Live Tile vs. seeing everything I need to see in the application I am already in, without having to open multiple tabs mind you - is more efficient for me. If I wanted a "live tile" type interface, I'd run Rainmeter, which has tons more functionality than Live Tiles - and I wouldn't have to leave what I'm doing or hit a key to see it.