In the beginning I used to miss the Start button... and then I realized that I don't use it anyways, there's a Search function y'know. Type the name if the application and bam! Alternatively, use the Desktop tile.
This. This this this.
Windows 7 on my laptop: win-button, search for software, wait a 10 seconds, (choose software and) press enter.
Windows 8 on my desktop: win-button, search for software, choose software instantaneously and press enter. It works just like it did before, and is much faster.
Starts faster from a cold boot only, and even then "2 times faster" is a hell of an exaggeration.
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I still need to install shitware like MotionInJoy to use my PS3 controllers.
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But it's not the start menu. It's not as simple as Start -> Power -> Shut Down to turn off my machine. I can't find [...] Program Files to get a quick list of every installed program. It's just not as simple or efficient.
Mine's just as fast from a cold boot as a reboot, and 2 times faster is not an exaggeration. Maybe it does depend on what kind of computer you use.
Oh no!? You have to install MotionInJoy, a home made driver set + software to get an unsupported device to work?! A console controller on PC? What is this you say? I can't use my Wiimote as Move controlles on PS3 either?? What is this I don't even?!
Oh no, the shut down has moved from the left side to the right side....
Sure, you can't open the Program Files, seeing everything you've installed in the exact same way as before. I personally never used that. I didn't need to.
However: Go to the lower left corner and click. just like if you would click the orb (pretend it's just invisible) or just press the win-button. now, left click. look to the bottom right and see the button "All Apps" or something. Now you do have a quick list of every installed program. It is simple, it is efficient. It's a new way to get there, sure, but it's not hard to learn nor inefficient.