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Windows 8 navigation, Start-Menu and UI Options

Aug 19, 2013 9:09AM PDT
Please add if you have more

UI Upgrades for Windows 8

Reviewed by Mossberg from Wall Street Journal
Start 8, $5.00, http://www.classicstart8.com/download
Adds a start menu to the bottom left corner of the desktop.

The Prompt, free, http://theprompt.com
Quickly launch programs, find files, and more. Takes things from many steps into one. Cool minimalist UI.

Pokki, free. https://www.pokki.com/
Sort of a start menu. Looks like a smart phone. Also comes with some free apps.

A touchscreen PC for a tablet feel

Microsoft Touchsceen PC's
I found that Windows 8 is a whole lot easier to use if you have a tablet. A touchscreen PC duplicates that but just comes with a bigger screen.
http://www.microsoftstore.com/store/msusa/en_US/cat/categoryID.62684600?icid=Homepage_TopCat_3_Computers_050513

Using a touchpad

Logitech's Wireless Touchpad T650,
Allows many gestures with the touchpad.
http://blog.chron.com/techblog/2013/02/review-logitech-wireless-touchpad-t650/


Keyboard shortcuts that I use most

CTRL+ESC: Open Start menu
ALT+F4: Quit program
Windows Logo+L: Lock the computer

Discussion is locked

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Look at Pokki and I see something unsettlig.
Aug 19, 2013 9:21AM PDT

It's not what it appears to be. The last time I checked it added their own web store.


-> Classic Shell missed your list for some odd reason.
Bob

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Ah yeah
Aug 19, 2013 11:11AM PDT

I totally forgot about classic shell. That is also a great one.

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Pokki 'app store' and comparison
Aug 19, 2013 11:27AM PDT

Pokki is free but has an 'app store' where third party developers can make apps and games, it's optional to engage w it's app store. Pokki looks quite a bit different than a classic start menu (start8 / classic shell), its more 'animated looking'. I guess Pokki is trying a 'free' model and then trying to make money from some paid apps, vs Start8 which just charges $5-$10 up front. It's honestly been awhile since I tried Pokki so things may have changed, lately I've just been using Start8 and The Prompt.