>>>>I've said Metro is a mess but Search in Win8 is superior to previous versions. I'm not sure what more you're asking for
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>>>You're drifting topic here. you've said: qoute "In my opinion, the WIndows 8 way is superior to a hierarchical menu". Also note that this topic is about the start menu and not the search function. The search function is not a replacement for the menu.
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>>Isn't it, though? I've transitioned to using search and I'm happy with it.
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>I don't think so. In a hierarchical menu, just like the index of a book, you can see whats installed on your computer by its visual hierarchical nature. With search you'll have to know the words to scan the whole book.
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>Especially, If you are exposed to multiple windows versions in multiple languages the search becomes very frustrating as you'll have to know the words. Take for example the "Add remove programs", was also known as just "Software" or in dutch "Programma's installeren en verwijderen". Throughout time there is no consistency, even within one language. So how to find it? Well, I know its a part of the control panel (Another one that changed its name throughout time), so within the hierarchical menu, I'd find that easily. I've got clients across the globe in several languages... I would not have a clue how to find "Add / Remove software" in lets say norwegian or south afrikaans through search... would you ?
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>And if I, as a professional, have problems in finding programs this way, what would it be for the poor joe average user?
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>So if you're good in remembering the names on what to search for, you'll do fine with search... otherwise the menu is probably the thing that saves your day.
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>Walter,

I somewhat agree. 99% of the time I know what I'm opening, so search is a lot more streamlined/fast. If I don't quite exactly know what I'm opening and want to go spelunking, I would miss the start menu. I do think that Windows 7 got it right, but I don't feel strongly enough about it to waste my time complaining on a message board and take way from my politics complaining time. :-)