menu

Pokki's Windows 8 Start menu app has been refreshed with more features and more flexibility.

Pokki provides unique Start menu to Windows 8 users who can't quite live without one. The app blends in smoothly with the Windows desktop, offering all the traditional Start menu features while tapping into the new Windows 8 environment.

Released yesterday, the latest version kicks in a new layout and design with larger fonts and wider spacing, so it's easier on the eyes. You can also switch the layout between a light and dark color scheme.

You can now add folders and … Read more

Microsoft kicked out the Start menu for Windows 8, but at least one app is proving that a lot of users still crave it.

One of many Start menu replacements on the market, Pokki for Windows 8 registered 500,000 downloads in the six weeks since Windows 8 officially debuted, according to a company blog.

Further, Stardock's Start8 program has sold thousands of copies, say the folks at Pokki. And in about 30 days, 30 different Start menu replacements have popped up.

"All of which is early proof of our original hypothesis that people need, want, and use … Read more

MacFixIt Answers is a feature in which I answer questions e-mailed in by our readers.

This week, readers wrote in with questions about hiding the menu bar in OS X, a "formatter failed" error when erasing hard drives, alternative configuration possibilities for Apple's Fusion Drive technology, and whether or not a Mini DisplayPort cable can be used for Thunderbolt connections. I welcome views from readers, so if you have any suggestions or alternative approaches to these problems, please post them in the comments!

Question: Hiding the menu bar in OS X MacFixIt reader Shawn asks:

Windows 8 users who miss the old, reliable Start menu now have another application that can fill the gap quite nicely.

Available for free, Win8 StartButton recreates the look, feel, and functionality of the traditional Windows Start menu. But it then ups the action through a host of customizable features.

After you install the program, the familiar Windows Start orb appears in the lower left corner of the desktop. Clicking on the orb displays the typical two-pane Start menu with easy access to all your programs and favorite Windows locations, such as your documents and music. The menu sports commands … Read more

The Mac App Store in OS X is Apple's central location for software distribution and updates, and also replaces Software Update as the service for managing OS patches and upgrades. This makes the App Store one of the more commonly used programs in OS X.

While Apple's built-in options in the store should be enough for most people, if needed there are several useful options in the store's hidden Debug menu.

The Debug menu for the App Store is primarily meant to help developers detect and manage problems with the store by providing various logging options and … Read more

Pokki for Windows 8 joins a growing list of Windows 8 Start menu utilities. How does the program fare?

SweetLabs' Pokki for Windows 8 fills in the gap for Windows 8 users who still want the traditional Start menu on their desktops. And you'll have to place me in that group.

Through I've become more accustomed to the Start screen over time, I still find the Start menu a quicker and more efficient way to launch any application installed on my PC.

I know you can open a program or file just by typing its name at the … Read more

Comodo in New York City is serving a heaping side of Instagram along with its swordfish ceviche, seared duck breast, and poblano pepper pasta. The restaurant has decided to embrace all the Instagram users who snap pictures of their food after it's delivered to the table.

Comodo's Instagram menu is gathered together under the #comodomenu hashtag. Currently, 55 user-submitted photos pop up showing the dishes in various lighting conditions. Seeing the photos may help sway your dining decision one way or another. Comodo is expecting customers to make their menu decisions based on dish recommendations from their Instagram friends or from the sheer visual power of the food. … Read more

Windows 8 users who still miss the Start button will find an alternative on Samsung's new lineup of computers and tablets.

Buyers of Samsung Windows 8 PCs and tablets will be able to download a free Quick Starter program, which adds a Start button and a toolbar to open your files and applications.

The S Launcher program that lets Samsung users access the Start menu replacement was initially supposed to come with new PCs and tablets. But a Samsung rep confirmed to ZDNet in August that the launcher would not appear in the final products. Instead, it will be … Read more

MenuTab for Facebook eliminates the need for another tab in the browser by providing widgetlike access to the popular social network. Its uncluttered interface is similar to Facebook's iOS app and will be familiar to those who own an iPhone. Its handy features such as alerts and notifications make it a useful app -- if we ignore some of the bugs -- for anyone who likes prompt reactions on social media.

Facebook for iPhone users will be greeted by a familiar interface when they log in to MenuTab for Facebook on their Mac. We can say that if you … Read more