The Metro hater's guide to customizing Windows 8 Consumer Preview
By Ed Bott
March 9, 2012, 5:19am PST
Summary: Why has there been such a negative initial reaction to the Windows 8 Start screen? Maybe it’s because the default presentation is so ugly and impersonal. If you hate Metro and want to use the Windows 8 Consumer Preview mostly with desktop apps, try my five-minute makeover and see if it helps.
I’ve been following the ongoing debate over the Windows 8 Start screen with amusement and genuine sympathy. The common complaint goes something like this: “Touch-optimized Metro apps are great. The improvements to the Windows desktop are solid. But the Start screen, which serves as the hub between the old and new Windows, is too much new and not enough old. The transition is jarring, and ultimately doesn’t make me more productive.”
OK, I understand that point of view. In fact, I had a similar complaint when I first looked at Windows 8. Personally, after using the new interface for a while, I have come to like its overall design, but I also get how someone can look at the Windows 8 Consumer Preview with a much more jaundiced eye. I also see its long-term potential and expect it to improve and be refined over time.
Frankly, I think a lot of the reason people have a negative reaction to the Metro style Start today is because the default presentation is so ugly and impersonal. Here, see for yourself:
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UPDATE: Nothing like looking over the guide linked to in the report there for seeing a few changes made in how the Start screen appears. Even added shortcuts for the Restart, Logoff, and Shutdown options without the need to logoff first! Pinning the Programs folder to Start however leaves a bit to be desired.
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