Solved Ignoring the Start Screen...Opinions?

[Daddyman]

I've spent a lot of time using Windows 8 on my son's computer and on my own (Windows 7) computer in a virtual machine. And I've made a discovery: If I stick to the desktop side of the OS, I actually like Windows 8.



On both systems I installed Start8 by Stardock. (Also installed ModernMix, which opens App Store apps in a desktop window.)


My point is: I can ignore the Start screen and work entirely from the desktop. Done this way, Windows 8 is really good!



Would you endorse this way of using Windows 8, or does it have disadvantages or 'gotchas' of which I'm not aware?

 

[Hopachi]

Except the new things that were introduced, Win8 is 7 alright.
There are no disadvantages since you feel good by using comfortable programs.

The modern apps don't control key elements of the OS and you can manage all through desktop apps.
See control panel: you don't need the start screen for it, regedit, command prompt and all others still have it all to say.

Your question will have to be asked again in future versions of Windows, depending where the development will go.

 

[tonymarcus]

I've spent a lot of time using Windows 8 on my son's computer and on my own (Windows 7) computer in a virtual machine. And I've made a discovery: If I stick to the desktop side of the OS, I actually like Windows 8.



On both systems I installed Start8 by Stardock. (Also installed ModernMix, which opens App Store apps in a desktop window.)


My point is: I can ignore the Start screen and work entirely from the desktop. Done this way, Windows 8 is really good!



Would you endorse this way of using Windows 8, or does it have disadvantages or 'gotchas' of which I'm not aware?

I agree!

 

[JustATest]

I've spent a lot of time using Windows 8 on my son's computer and on my own (Windows 7) computer in a virtual machine. And I've made a discovery: If I stick to the desktop side of the OS, I actually like Windows 8.



On both systems I installed Start8 by Stardock. (Also installed ModernMix, which opens App Store apps in a desktop window.)


My point is: I can ignore the Start screen and work entirely from the desktop. Done this way, Windows 8 is really good!



Would you endorse this way of using Windows 8, or does it have disadvantages or 'gotchas' of which I'm not aware?

I like it just the way you use intend to use it. I also use start8 and I see no disadvantage to that approach. If you don't need (or care about metro) that should work well for you. However, if you decide that metro may have some use in the future, it is always available. No gotchas that I can see and I've been using Win 8 Pro since it was first made available. I say go for it! Cheers.

 

[Daddyman]

Thanks very much for everyone's advice. I intend to become a full-time Win8 desktop user. Here's how I feel about the Modern interface and its lame app store: