Frankley I don't understand this wanting a start button/orb back. Why spend the money for Windows 8 then turn around and try and make it into Windows 7. Hell if you want Windows 7 keep it, if you don't have it buy it!◄ § ►
I'm trying to like Windows 8, really I am, but two aspects feel like a slap in the face: Forcing me to boot into the Start screen when Desktop mode is what I'd prefer, and the lack of a Start button in said mode.
Win8 StartButton is the latest utility that aims to right what's wrong with the new OS. Not only does it provide a "classic" Start button, it also gives you the option of making the desktop your default boot destination. Huzzah!
Right from the get-go, Win8 StartButton displays a Windows 7-style Start button and Start menu. You can venture into the settings to tweak everything from the look (Windows XP, anyone?) to the layout, but I suspect most users will be quite happy with the defaults.
During installation, make sure to choose the Custom option, otherwise you could end up with unwanted junkware: Torch Browser 2.0 and Media Player Classic.
It's worth noting that Win8 StartButton looks to be a slightly tweaked version of Classic Shell, the open-source Start solution I mentioned last week.
If you want something that's little more in keeping with Windows 8's app-centric philosophy, check out Pokki. It supplies a Start, er, acorn, plus a pretty robust app store.
source:pcworld