Start Menu 7

Do you want more options from the Windows Start menu? Despite its name, Start Menu 7 works with Windows 2000, 2003, XP, and Vista, not just Windows 7--and for power users, it's a useful upgrade to any of them. It replaces your start menu with a new one that gives you faster access to files, programs, and folders.

When you are running Start Menu 7, click the Start button and you'll see the program. It displays a large, semi-transparent flyaway menu sorted by category, and then within each category by subcategories. In this way, you can get to the program, document, or resource you want quickly. There's more as well, including fast access to power management, and the ability to resize the menu.

Start Menu 7 won't be to everyone's taste. It's far more cluttered than the normal Start menu, and so those who prefer simple interfaces will not be pleased. But if you're looking for an alternative to the Start menu, it's worth a try.

--Preston Gralla