Start 8

from WinCustomize Forums

OK, so I have been playing with Windows 8 and 8.1 for the last few weeks. I got a bit feed up with the Metro UI so I installed Classic Shell. Got confused about all of the options so I installed Start 8. Easy to use, it does what I need. Looking to buy Start 8 here soon. So my question is what is Metro for when I use Start 8? Just a watse of hard drive space and coding?

Oh, Starkers - Windows 8 is not faster under the hood than 7 in my experience so far. Painfully slow.

115,558 views 23 replies
Reply #1 from Elemental Forums Top

I've just started begun to use Start8 (and plan on buying it).

I have one issue: it's not compatible with (I think) most lightweight multi-desktop app there is: Desktops v2.0 by Sysinternals. The start button doesn't work on desktops from 2 to 4, only on the first one. Could you fix this guys?

Reply #2 from Elemental Forums Top

I'm not sure what Desktops v2.0 does, but maybe try Fences by Stardock instead? That works well with Start8 on Win8.1. As well as making the fenced in areas, it allows dragging desktops sideways to setup multiple desktop views. If that is what the other program does, maybe that'll work for you?

 

Sins of a Solar Empire: Rebellion
Reply #3 from Elemental Forums Top

Quoting Leo, reply 2

I'm not sure what Desktops v2.0 does, but maybe try Fences by Stardock instead? That works well with Start8 on Win8.1. As well as making the fenced in areas, it allows dragging desktops sideways to setup multiple desktop views. If that is what the other program does, maybe that'll work for you?

 

It's the most simple multidesktop app. No dragging stuff between desktops, etc. just changing desktops (ie. sets of open windows).

Thanks for recommendation. I'll take a look at Fences, but I'd prefer free software with as small footprint as possible.

Reply #4 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Quoting Gandhialf, reply 1

I've just started begun to use Start8 (and plan on buying it).

I have one issue: it's not compatible with (I think) most lightweight multi-desktop app there is: Desktops v2.0 by Sysinternals. The start button doesn't work on desktops from 2 to 4, only on the first one. Could you fix this guys?

On my 4 monitor system, with DisplayFusion, Start 8 start buttons on all monitors work fine.....so it must be a Desktops by sysinternals problem. Maybe they should fix it.

 

Reply #5 from Elemental Forums Top

My mistake.  Should read what op said in full.  :)  I love's my classic shell, it does everything I want and it's freeeeeeee.

Reply #6 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Start 8 is way better than Classic Shell.

Reply #7 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Quoting Gandhialf, reply 1

I've just started begun to use Start8 (and plan on buying it).

I have one issue: it's not compatible with (I think) most lightweight multi-desktop app there is: Desktops v2.0 by Sysinternals. The start button doesn't work on desktops from 2 to 4, only on the first one. Could you fix this guys?

That will be a Sysinternals problem, not Stardock's ...;)

Reply #8 from Elemental Forums Top

Quoting Jafo, reply 7


Quoting Gandhialf,
reply 1

I've just started begun to use Start8 (and plan on buying it).

I have one issue: it's not compatible with (I think) most lightweight multi-desktop app there is: Desktops v2.0 by Sysinternals. The start button doesn't work on desktops from 2 to 4, only on the first one. Could you fix this guys?



That will be a Sysinternals problem, not Stardock's ...;)

If you say so...

Reply #9 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Quoting Tattyhat, reply 5

I love's my classic shell, it does everything I want and it's freeeeeeee.

I never really understood how software ends up being free. What does the maker gain? How do they spend time and effort on a software, and give updates, support, etc. for free?

 

Unless the have the addons and ads that sometimes come with free stuff.

Reply #10 from Elemental Forums Top

Desktops v2.0 is free because Microsoft wants it free (Sysinternals is their division). (Just like Firefox is free exists because Google wants it to.)

Other software is free because programmer receives donations from happy customers.

Yet another software is free because programmer gets revenue from ads on his/her site or in the program (adware) (as you said).

etc.

Reply #11 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Google has nothing to do with Firefox. Separate companies.

Reply #12 from Elemental Forums Top

Quoting kona0197, reply 11

Google has nothing to do with Firefox. Separate companies.

The Mozilla Foundation is funded by donations and "search royalties". Since 2005, the vast majority of funds have come from Google Inc. (source)

I'm very sorry if I killed your idea of "free software"  ;)

Reply #13 from WinCustomize Forums Top

I doubt the majority of donations for Firefox come from Google since Google has a competing browser.

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Reply #14 from Elemental Forums Top

Quoting kona0197, reply 13

I doubt the majority of donations for Firefox come from Google since Google has a competing browser.

Look, it's a fact.

Why do they do this? With this money they are buying the most simple thing: Google being default browser search engine in Firefox. That's it.

Reply #15 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Firefox is a browser, not an operating system.

Reply #16 from Elemental Forums Top

Quoting kona0197, reply 15

Firefox is a browser, not an operating system.

Thanks, I've corrected it.

Reply #17 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Google is not always the default search engine. Depends what OS you are using. Some Linux distros use DuckDuckGo as the default search. Still, my point stands. I'm pretty sure Google isn't the biggest contributor to Firefox.

Reply #18 from Elemental Forums Top

Quoting kona0197, reply 17

Google is not always the default search engine. Depends what OS you are using. Some Linux distros use DuckDuckGo as the default search. Still, my point stands. I'm pretty sure Google isn't the biggest contributor to Firefox.

You can be "pretty sure" of everything, but facts are facts.

http://www.extremetech.com/internet/92558-how-browsers-make-money-or-why-google-needs-firefox

http://www.investopedia.com/stock-analysis/2012/how-do-internet-browsers-make-money-goog-msft-yhoo1227.aspx

etc.

Reply #20 from Elemental Forums Top

Making theatrical gestures doesn't change objective states of affairs  ;P  

Reply #21 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Quoting RedneckDude, reply 9

What does the maker gain? How do they spend time and effort on a software, and give updates, support, etc. for free?
There IS a lot to be said for ego gratification.......and the "I made that" claim is a powerful incentive, for those that can, and do, create.

The difference between Priceless and Worthless far exceeds my ability to define it.

Reply #22 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Quoting Gandhialf, reply 20

Making theatrical gestures doesn't change objective states of affairs

....hence the ;p

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Reply #23 from Elemental Forums Top

So I bought Start8. Thanks for making it!

Now that all Stardock software is on sale I'd reconsider buying something more. Which is the best way to get multiple desktops on Windows 8 with SD software?

I'm particularly interested in one feature - I'd like to change between sets of open windows. I'd also be nice to be able to drag windows between sets (ie. desktops). Also: the more lightweight the better.