>Trying out launchy, and from what I can see, it's quite handy for some things. May need a bit of taming, but that's to be expected.

As soon as it gets used to your preferences first letter will bring up your application name

>Now how do I turn the desktop off.

I use X-Setup to turn it off, but it is more like a registry setting HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer\NoDesktop

>Specifically, how do I get to have nothing in the start menu

No idea, how about deleting the groups, though Launcy will have then to be pointed to C:\Program Files

>and the toolbars?

Rightclick the blank task bar area and untick all the toolbars under the Toolbar menu.

Hope it helps.