Start Menu 7 - Upgrade Your Windows Start Menu
A Long-Time Windows 7 User's Perspective
Since transitioning to Windows 7, a significant level of satisfaction with the operating system has been experienced. Its design is more streamlined, performance is improved, and the user interface feels more natural.
Despite these improvements, a persistent issue has emerged following the upgrade. Discussions with fellow Windows users reveal this concern is widely shared.
The standard Start Menu included with Windows 7 isn't ideally structured. Program icons and applications lack optimal organization.
Accessing essential settings, like the Control Panel, and features commonly found in previous Windows iterations, now necessitates a greater number of clicks, at least from this user’s perspective.
Exploring Start Menu Alternatives
Over time, several alternative Start Menu solutions have been presented. In 2008, Shankar highlighted four compelling options for the Vista Start Menu.
Kyle introduced SMOz, an application designed to enhance Start Menu organization.
Notably, Kaly detailed Tidy Start Menu back in 2006, which proved to be a particularly effective solution.
Over the following four years, Ukrainian developer Denys Nazarenko significantly refined this application.
The result of this development effort is a new version, now known as Start Menu 7.
Revitalizing the Windows 7 Experience: Start Menu 7
Typically, I avoid installing additional software designed to modify or enhance Windows. Many such programs introduce unnecessary complexity and increase the demand on system resources, particularly memory and processing power. However, Start Menu 7 immediately piqued my interest due to the screenshots on its website, which showcased a streamlined, organized, and seemingly lightweight menu. This prompted me to investigate further.
Upon installation and launching Start Menu 7, it becomes clear that this isn’t merely a new Start Menu; it represents a completely reimagined approach to computer navigation. The need to repeatedly open Windows Explorer to locate files within the directory structure is eliminated. Start Menu 7 places essential functions directly at your disposal.
The initial step for most users will likely be to personalize the Start Menu with frequently used folders, applications, and system utilities. This customization is achieved by selecting the "Add Items" icon located at the top of the interface.
The dropdown menu allows you to incorporate commands, folders, formatting lines for menu sections, or browse for the desired application. A key benefit of this application is the reduced reliance on opening Windows Explorer independently. Every folder and file on your PC is accessible through the intuitive navigation system that expands to the right of the Start Menu.
Clicking the right-arrow adjacent to a folder allows you to navigate into subfolders, and a simple click opens any file. The scrollbar at the bottom ensures that all files and folders are visible, regardless of their quantity.
Further features are available by clicking the "Programs" folder, revealing three distinct tabs. All Programs provides a comprehensive list, Quick Start enables the addition of shortcuts to frequently accessed programs and folders, and Autorun grants access to the Startup folder, displaying applications that launch upon system boot.
At the bottom of the Start Menu, several additional useful features are present. On the left, a command/search field allows you to launch applications by typing "calc" or "notepad," or initiate a file search by entering a file name. To the right, a secure lock button enables other users to log into new sessions while preserving your current session, alongside a convenient Power button.
This Power button offers a streamlined shutdown dialog, displaying all options on a single window, unlike the standard Windows 7 interface.
The intriguing clock icons allow you to schedule events. This feature is particularly valuable for automating computer usage time for children, such as scheduling a shutdown an hour after school.
This scheduling functionality is versatile, allowing you to set precise dates and times. Start Menu 7 also incorporates additional options within the "Options" section, accessible through the "Wizard".
Within the Customize Wizard, you can fine-tune various settings, but the shortcut customizer stands out, enabling the assignment of keyboard keys to system actions like restart, hibernate, and opening the "Run" dialog box.
For keyboard users, pressing the Windows key launches the Start Menu, displaying keyboard codes next to each icon and folder. Within the navigation area, clicking a section letter breaks down shortcuts into numbers for individual item access.
With practice, this method proves to be one of the fastest ways to navigate Windows using only the keyboard, surpassing any previous Windows version I’ve experienced. I encourage you to try Start Menu 7 and share your thoughts on whether Denys has created a product as effective as I believe it to be.
Are there alternative Start Menu solutions for Windows 7 that you consider superior? Please share your recommendations in the comments below.
