When Microsoft released Windows 8 it was the first time the operating system could work the same on tablets and desktops.  The new Start Screen was designed to allow customers with a mouse or touchscreen to easily pick what application they wanted to run.  Apps that were designed for Windows 8 could also update the information on their icon similar to how a smartphone will show current status messages.  This meant you could have your mail, people, weather and news apps always showing the latest info without having to go into those apps!  A quick glance and you can see what is going on without having to fire up your browser and go four different places.  The Start Screen was new, different and met with howls of protest in the media.  Rarely would they explain why it might be useful and delve into two tricks to make things easier to use for desktop users.

Trick 1:

From the Start Screen hold down the Windows Key on your keyboard (between Ctrl+Alt) and press D.  This brings you right to your desktop.  That is right, one simple keystroke and you can move away from the Start Screen where things are updated automatically and get back to the desktop where it is all you.  Feels like old times, doesn't it?

Not quite since where the start menu used to be it takes you right back to the Start Screen.

Trick 2:

Install Classic Shell and get your start menu back.  Free software, makes it easy to make Windows 8/8.1 just like your old desktop Windows but with all of the new features and security upgrades. Visit http://www.classicshell.net/ for the software.