The way you launch computer programs determines how productive you are. If you click your Windows "Start" button and search for PowerPoint every time you want to launch it, you may be wasting time ...

With Windows Blue, a k a Windows 8.1, Microsoft is re-introducing a Start Button and adding a boot-straight-to-desktop option. Here's how these may work.

Windows 8: I'm working in the desktop and want to launch Adobe Photoshop. Since I use it only occasionally, I don't have it set up as a desktop or taskbar icon.

The text box next to the Start button says pretty much exactly what it does: "Search the web and Windows". Clicking here will pop up a menu that will populate with search results as you type.

A lot of people complained and Microsoft listened. The company brought the Start button back in Windows 8.1. But the button doesn't have to stay there in your taskbar— there are hacks to re-hide it.

The desktop in the Windows 8 beta offers no Start button and a few shortcuts. How can you easily populate it with your favorite programs? ... Click the option to change desktop icons.

If you're running Windows 8.1 today and want the Start menu back, take a look at our list of the best, least expensive, and most authentic Windows 8 Start menu replacements.

Things get a lot more familiar-looking if you click the Desktop tile—ahh, there’s the Windows we know and love—but once again, Windows 8 has no Start button.

When you click the Start button, the All Apps list is now shoved into the Menu. Step 5: Click the All Apps icon on the left to see your list of apps and programs.

TaskBarDock lets you have two Taskbars, Hide the Start Button or System Tray, make Notification Area transparent, center-align taskbar icons, etc.