Is this the beginning of the end for StartXX

from Stardock Forums
Has Start10 reached the end?    
When Windows 8 came out with that awful tile format that no one knew how to use, programs like Start8 were a must and filled a very  wide open market.  

It appears that with the new Windows 10 OS, Microsoft has corrected this oversight.  All one has to do is educate themselves with how this new menu system works. 


When I updated to Windows 10, I took a long hard look at Start 10 to see what it has to offer.   Here is what Star Dock  claims are key features:

Key Features
  • Search menu is back in the Start menu
  • Restores the quick links to core system functionality
  • Maintains the "All Programs" folder metaphor
  • Texture can be applied to Start10 background and taskbar


I hate to say, but none of the above is really key in my book.  

-So the Search Menu is in the start menu.  How is this a major improvement over having the search menu on the task bar?  The current search menu on the task bar can be configured in several ways, including a very inconspicuous icon. 

-Most if not all "Core System" links can be added to the new start menu in Windows 10. It's just a matter adding them.  

-"Maintains the All Programs metaphor" - Really?   This is a huge deal??

-Textures?  Is this a huge selling point?  Wasn't the purpose of this to add the lost functionality?  Eye Candy should be second to function.  


Don't get me wrong, I love my Star Dock Software, but I'm seeing less reason to install some of it.   I wonder how long MS will be before they come out with their own version of Fences...

 
start10
7,118 views 5 replies
Reply #1 from Stardock Forums Top

If you liked Start8, I'd say using Start10 is a no brainer on Win10.

Reply #2 from Stardock Forums Top

Quoting The_Gear, reply 1

If you liked Start8, I'd say using Start10 is a no brainer on Win10.
End of The_Gear's quote

 

Not so sure on that.  So far, the Windows 10 start menu has everything I need.   At some point, you have to learn new ways of doing things, and as long as the new way has some familiarity and not a cray steep learning curve, change is good.

I'll stick with the OEM start menu for now.  It's still nice to know Stardock is here if I change my mind.

Star Control: Origins
Reply #3 from Stardock Forums Top

<< I wonder how long MS will be before they come out with their own version of Fences... >>

Oh, please do not give MS any ideas! Every time they try to copy a successful feature from another company & incorporate it into Windows the O.S. becomes clunkier and the feature doesn't work. Meanwhile the company that developed the successful version of the feature is put out of business, so everyone who wants to use the feature is screwed royally and permanently.

Microsoft's policy that they are not in the business of developing great technology but rather finding great technology developed by others and reverse engineering it so they can offer it at a high profit margin is a stated policy of former President Steve Ballmer. When he announced it all the talented developers at MS left the company. Seems they thought of themselves as software engineers who do develop great technology, and didn't want to be identified as being what is, in essence, thieves. Read the article "Microsoft’s Lost Decade" at Vanity Faire's website: http://www.vanityfair.com/news/business/2012/08/microsoft-lost-mojo-steve-ballmer

Let's support Stardock by giving a little prayer that Microsoft never notices how great Fences is.

 

Reply #4 from Stardock Forums Top
Has Start10 reached the end?    

When Windows 8 came out with that awful tile format that no one knew how to use, programs like Start8 were a must and filled a very  wide open market.  


It appears that with the new Windows 10 OS, Microsoft has corrected this oversight.  All one has to do is educate themselves with how this new menu system works. 
 

End of quote

 

I agree with some of your points, but people buy it and other SD software because they like the way it looks.

And after all, it's only $5. At that price, it's not necessary to consider function vs. value.

Please don't make me use the "coffee" analogy... :)

 

And if you want something to complain about..the developer of Cities: Skylines is charging $12,50 for a mostly cosmetic DLC.  :thumbsdown:

Reply #5 from Stardock Forums Top

Quoting Borg999, reply 4


Quoting ,
quoting post


Has Start10 reached the end?    

When Windows 8 came out with that awful tile format that no one knew how to use, programs like Start8 were a must and filled a very  wide open market.  


It appears that with the new Windows 10 OS, Microsoft has corrected this oversight.  All one has to do is educate themselves with how this new menu system works. 
 




 

I agree with some of your points, but people buy it and other SD software because they like the way it looks.

And after all, it's only $5. At that price, it's not necessary to consider function vs. value.

Please don't make me use the "coffee" analogy... :)

 

And if you want something to complain about..the developer of Cities: Skylines is charging $12,50 for a mostly cosmetic DLC.  :thumbsdown:

End of Borg999's quote

 

Ha, good points. |-)   It's not the money, but I'm going thru a phase where I want less software on my PC.  Running the bare-bone OS and the core programs only is what I'm going for.  I can't prove it, and I'm not saying it's the StarDock software, but I have less glitches with a cleaner PC.

 

But as a quick update, I have grown very use to the Windows 10 interface. (Right-clicking on just about any program or app gives you the option to add it to the start menu and from there you can re-size and move around and label groups etc.).  I had to however go to a dual boot system so I still have Windows 8.1 and love my StarDock software.  Still torn, but  on Windows 10, for me, unless Start10 offers something I really need to be efficient, like FENCES, I'm not using Start10.  I look forward to seeing what they bring to the plate in terms of features for this software.