Computerworld reports that Stardock today released a beta version of its "Start8" utility that restores a Start button to the desktop of Windows 8.
The disappearance of the Start button -- a 17-year veteran of Windows -- and the traditional Start menu has been one of the flashpoints between some users and Microsoft, which yanked the iconic element in favor of the tile-based Start screen. On the Windows 8 desktop, users must touch or mouse to the corners to reach the Start screen.Start8 beta restores Start button to Windows 8, sidesteps Start menu
Brad Wardell, founder of Stardock, posted several screenshots of Start8 on his personal blog Wednesday, and noted features that include the ability to boot directly to the desktop, shutdown and restart options, and built-in search.
