I have seen the future and it is good. I like Windows 10. A lot.
I’m not loving their Start menu and while there is hope it will improve, it is good to know that Start10 is available.
Here is the current Windows 10 build with their Start menu:
I have a lot of problems with this. First off, most desktop users are using the start menu to get to their stuff. Stuff is more than just apps. The Windows 10 menu is a “Modern” app which means no context menus. No jump lists. It also tries to jam in the old Start screen’s tiles. The tiles are fine for a touch mobile device. But in a menu? They serve no purpose other than for clutter. YMMV.
Here is my Windows 10 desktop with Stardock Start10 beta 1 installed:
Starting from left to right:
What I choose to pin onto my start menu is my business. I don’t need Microsoft or anyone else to tell me that this should be reserved for “places” (whatever that means). I’d prefer MS to set it to “Pinned” and let users pin and unpin whatever they’d like there. I am hoping that is their goal. Right now, it’s not very configurable.
Going down, you will notice the arrows next to the apps. That’s the jump lists. I have no idea why Microsoft would remove such a useful feature.
Jump lists are one of the best Microsoft innovations in UI. They’re MIA in the current Windows 10 start menu. Maybe they’ll bring them back. I hope so. But if they don’t, there’s Start10.
A picture is worth…
Just look at the two screenshots. Honestly, which one would you prefer to use on your desktop? That’s really the ultimate answer.
You can get Start10 right now via Object Desktop. It’ll be available stand-alone this Spring for $4.99.
Website: http://www.stardock.com/products/start10
