Hello astorre,
If I'm reading your concern correctly, you want to access installed programs from the desktop (without having to go back to the start menu);yes? If that is the case, I would recommend that you download and install one of the freeware or shareware programs that can restore the start button to the desktop. Her's a screenshot of what I use:
View attachment 17251
View attachment 17252
The program is called Start8 and it can be downloaded here:
Start8™ for Windows® 8 - Bringing back the Windows Start menu
The above program is free to use for 30 days and then you must pay $4.99 (I think) for a permanent license. Now, there are other free programs out there that work and are good also; however, I think this one was worth the price.
Good luck.