You can, for example, run the Task Manager, Control Panel, File Explorer, Windows PowerShell (for a command line) and various other things. However, you can bring up a useful menu by pressing the Windows key and X, and this offers more functions in Windows 8.1. This does not remove the Start screen, nor does it bring back the old menu system, so you may want to stick with Classic Shell. Alternatively, you can do it via the Control Panel: look for "Appearance and Personalization" or "Taskbar and Navigation". The old-fashioned desktop approach is to right-click the Taskbar, select Properties, go to the Navigation tab, and check the box that says: "Go to the desktop instead of Start when I sign in". To do this, type nav into the Search box and click the top option. If you don't like the Start screen, you can configure Windows 8.1 to boot straight to the desktop. This is one area where the Start option is quicker and cleaner, and you're not doing yourself any favours by ignoring it. In 8.1, the Start screen's "PC settings" menu covers more settings, so there is less need to use the old Control Panel. (Windows XP users could do this by installing Launchy.)
In this respect, Windows 8 and 8.1 work just like Vista and Windows 7, only better. Of course, you can still run apps or programs just by typing a few characters, then picking a result from the search list. This provides a more harmonious shift when toggling between the two, as well as adding a bit of nostalgia. I have the Bliss wallpaper from Windows XP set as both the desktop wallpaper in Windows 8.1 and the Start screen background. You can also pick from a number of Start screen backgrounds, or use a photo. You can group your programs in sets with headings - the equivalent of folders - and give your most-used programs bigger tiles.
There are now four sizes of tile: small, medium, large and wide. The most obvious changes have been made to the Start screen, which works as both a program menu and a notification system. It's therefore a Good Thing for people on both sides of the argument. If you like Windows 7 more than Windows 8, the upgrade to 8.1 provides controls that make it more like Windows 7. The benefits include improved multitasking and multi-monitor support, better apps, and "universal search". If you like Windows 8, then 8.1 makes it faster and better.
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