I like objectbar, its easy to configure, can replace start menu and taskbar or supplement them with launchbars or docks of your own devising.
I use an objectbar launchbar that auto hides to bottom of screen and pops up to just above the normal windows taskbar. It contains six catergorised buttons which when pressed display other bars full of handy shortcuts
You can use it to make a startmenu that is totally different to the standard windows one in shape, size and what it contains. You can make a taskbar that is similairly original, contains multiple sections for different types of programs, displays explorer windows with icon and text, all other programs with icons only...etc
It's an extremely versatile piece of software.