POLL: Classic Shell for Windows 10 ... whos using it?

[EarthDog]

This from start to finish lol. Stop living my life. I did use 3.1 as wel but at that time I hadn't the slightest clue what I was doing.



Ctrl+alt+del > Enter. The same as how it works on literally every Windows machine since 7


Myself... I think I can't go back to the old Start menu.
View attachment 111401

It doesn't get much cleaner than this.. and for whatever is not there, I can just start typing. Even for the good old config panel:

View attachment 111402

So much this. There is a contingent that wont let go and move forward who needs to install and configure a 3rd party app, and there are those who took the time and followed the learning curve.

There isnt a right or wrong per say, but I'm glad I dont need to install another app!

 

[sixor]

cant stand start menu since win8 8.1 10, you cant even turn off your pc, it seems like a game, control panel hidden

classic shell for me always does the work, install and nothing else, i don't have to configure nothing, now open shell

 

[storm-chaser]

You can change the start menu button with Classic Shell as well. You can also chose different skins for the start menu itself. And, just like start 10, you have three basic options for the start menu layout. Let's see some start 10 screenshots and see how the two compare!

Here is my go-to laptop running Classic Shell.

And the options layout:

EDIT:
Here is the Start 10 menu. I downloaded and installed the 30 day trial version but I definitely like the fit and finish of CS over Start 10.

 

[Bill_Bright]

I never did either. But I tried both Classic Shell and Start 10 extensively and I have consistently felt Start 10 (beginning with Start 8) always felt more polished and professional - as I would expect from a paid (even if only $5) product. CS works well, but it just seemed to me that it was trying to do too much and as such (to paraphrase a common expression) it was "A jack of all trades but a master of none." Whereas I felt Start10 did fewer things, only better.

I would argue the start menu from Classic Shell has a near identical fit and finish relative to that of Start 10s. Correct me if I'm wrong, but in looking at the start 10 screenshots on their website I will even make the statement that Classic Shell has a better fit and finish and closer resembles an authentic "Microsoft" start menu.

I think it pretty obvious with my repeated use of "I felt" and "seemed to me" that I was expressing my opinion.

But to that, as I noted and you quoted, my "opinion" was based on me trying both CS and S10 "extensively". I did not base my opinion on website screen shots.

If you like CS better, fine. Use what works best for you.

 

[storm-chaser]

I think it pretty obvious with my repeated use of "I felt" and "seemed to me" that I was expressing my opinion.

But to that, as I noted and you quoted, my "opinion" was based on me trying both CS and S10 "extensively". I did not base my opinion on website screen shots.

If you like CS better, fine. Use what works best for you.

Yeah I didn't say you are wrong I was just pointing out some things I've noticed. You are entitled to your opinion just like everyone else. That's why I started the thread, I'm curious to see what folks are using and why. I appreciate the feedback and value your option.

 

[Bill_Bright]

Yeah I didn't say you are wrong

Well, you pretty much did when you said,

...in looking at the start 10 screenshots on their website I will even make the statement that Classic Shell has a better fit and finish

Regardless your or my opinions, the facts are, Classic Shell's developer has abandoned this project with the stated reason being the demands on his resources to keep it current and compatible with the frequent changes that occur with W10 are just too great for him to continue. And, there does not "appear" to be much going on with Open Shell other than rebranding. Whereas Start10, on the other hand, is still under active development to keep it current and compatible with the ever evolving W10.

Yes, CS/OS is free, but $5 (sorry, looks like the $3 discounted price ended) for a lifetime Start10 license is hardly a budget buster. Yes, OpenShell has way more bells and whistles, but if, like many, you just want the old W7 Start menu and Desktop, you don't need the extra features and moving parts.

Again, whatever works best for you. And since Start10 has a free 30 day trial period, and uninstalls cleanly (yes, I tested that too), I see no reason not to try both and see which one works best for you.

In the meantime, my blue F150 can haul 10 sheets of plywood better than your red Silverado or silver RAM.

 

[storm-chaser]

Thanks, B_B. Some people like to point out the fact that C_S is obsolete over and over again and I like to point out it's positive attributes. Both aspect's deserve review and consideration, and it's okay to debate the finer points here; that's the whole purpose of this thread. It's a very subjective subject as we have 30 people who use Classic Shell versus 47 who don't.

It's okay to compare and contrast and that's my sole purpose with this starting this poll. I stand by my opinion and it looks like you stand by yours. I will continue to use classic shell as I prefer the fit and finish for my uses. And I prefer the start menu customizations offered by Classic Shell as well.

Once again, we can agree to disagree on this. In the mean time, I have downloaded Start 10 as a means to do a more through review on the topic at hand.

EDIT: I have now blended aspects from both Start 10 and Classic Shell to go for this custom look:

2ND EDIT: Here is a great review of both Classic Shell and Start 10, where the author agrees with me that Classic Shell offers more for the inner tinkerer.
https://www.infoworld.com/article/2...-10-start-menus-start10-vs-classic-shell.html

Here is a quote from the article:
"Like Classic Shell, Start10 supports full hierarchical menus in the All Programs list, as you can see in Figure 9. But Start10 is much more limited in how those menu items can be manipulated."

 

[Bill_Bright]

Once again, we can agree to disagree on this.

I am not disagreeing with you. In fact, I have said many times CS does more things. But make no mistake, Start10 let's you do a lot more than just restore W7's Start button menu and desktop.

I will continue to use classic shell as I prefer the fit and finish for my uses. And I prefer the start menu customizations offered by Classic Shell as well.

And that's fine - as long as the current developer's keep it updated and compatible. Just don't be shocked if some Wednesday morning you find CS no longer works.

But to be clear, where I do disagree with you is where you, by your own admission, have based your opinions and preferences by comparing your "use" of Classic Shell to viewing "screen shots" of Start 10. A fair comparison would be to give Start 10 and extended and unbiased try. Just because one program allows more manipulation than another, that does not imply one is better, or that the available extra options are needed or wanted.

the author agrees with me that Classic Shell offers more for the inner tinkerer.

Nor does one reviewer claiming one program provides more options for the tinkerer makes it a better Start menu alternative either. As the author notes, that's just his personal opinion. I note that same author says,

Start10 is clearly the more sophisticated Start substitute, with lots of settings and customizing capabilities. It’s sleek in the default configuration, expandable, and eminently usable. The $5 price tag will pay for itself in the first two minutes.

So you can keep touting your favorite over the other if you want. But it seems to me that was not the purpose of this thread. And since I have tried both extensively and found I prefer Start10, and since I feel comfortable assuming Start10 will remain compatible in the foreseeable future, you are not going to change my mind.

For the record, one thing I did not like with Start 10 over Start 8 is the available start menu button images. I preferred the Win8start images. If anyone else did, here they are:



Just copy them into your Start10 > StartButtons folder then select them from Start10's Style configuration menu. I use the Large set because I have my task bar set to 3 lines high to accommodate a 3-line date/day of the week/date system tray clock and my Quicklaunch toolbar. The larger buttons are a better fit, IMO.

 

[storm-chaser]

But to be clear, where I do disagree with you is where you, by your own admission, have based your opinions and preferences by comparing your "use" of Classic Shell to viewing "screen shots" of Start 10. A fair comparison would be to give Start 10 and extended and unbiased try. Just because one program allows more manipulation than another, that does not imply one is better, or that the available extra options are needed or wanted.

The screenshots offer a concise look as to what you get from the program and what it offers for the end user. And to be fair, I have in fact downloaded the 30 day trial to run further tests. At first blush, to me, the aesthetics of Start 10 are less desirable than those of Classic Shell and that CS closer resembles an authentic "Microsoft" start menu. But I will keep Start 10 around for some time to further compare the two.

Both are valuable programs and serve the community well and it would be wise to support both Open Shell and Start 10. Microsoft invested so much in the start menu and then they just decided to basically pull the plug, so it's nice to have options which redeem this invaluable feature.

 

[Bill_Bright]

The screenshots offer a concise look as to what you get from the program and what it offers for the end user.

Why are you trying to convince everyone your choice is better with this nonsense? No screen shot can convey the feel and function of how a program works. That can only be done with actual use.

I am glad you are actually trying it, but please stop trying to convince everyone CS is better. Its not. It just another good alternative.

 

[Durvelle27]

I use the Windows 10 start

I like the new look

 

[storm-chaser]

Why are you trying to convince everyone your choice is better with this nonsense? No screen shot can convey the feel and function of how a program works. That can only be done with actual use.

I am glad you are actually trying it, but please stop trying to convince everyone CS is better. Its not. It just another good alternative.

To each their own, I can only provide my own insight and my own interpretation of both programs. If Start 10 is what you like, then keep using it. I totally respect that.

 

[lexluthermiester]

Some people like to point out the fact that C_S is obsolete over and over again

That's the thing, it's not. Open Shell(Classic Shell's direct source replacement) was updated Sept of this year and is due for another update once Microsoft gets 1809 sorted out.

 

[Gorstak]

I practically almost never use start menu

 

[storm-chaser]

For those using Start 10, would anyone care to post up a screenshot of your start menu? I'm interested to see some of the customizations and variations.

@Bill_Bright @rtwjunkie

Why are you trying to convince everyone your choice is better with this nonsense?

Apparently, InfoWorld is also spewing nonsense because they too recommend Classic Shell over Start 10.

In case you want to read the article again, here is the link. InfoWorld Classic Shell Vs Start 10

 

[Bill_Bright]

The nonsense is you! You making post after post after post trying to sell this product so hard as though it is the best thing since sliced bread. It's not. Its just another start menu replacements. Big whoopie! Even the author didn't see enough value in it to keep it going.

In case you missed it, see your own InfoWorld article again and note on page 5 where the Woody states,

Start10 is clearly the more sophisticated Start substitute, with lots of settings and customizing capabilities. It’s sleek in the default configuration, expandable, and eminently usable. The $5 price tag will pay for itself in the first two minutes.

But to that, do you see anywhere in this thread where I said Classic Shell was bad? Or that Start10 was better? No. The only problem I have with it is the developer stopped development on it. In fact, I even said in post #8 I never had any issue with CS. And I have repeatedly said if you like CS, fine. But that's not good enough for you. You continue to try to convince everyone CS is better. Fine! Glad you like it. And I hope Open Shell is a success. The competition will hopefully keep the Start10 developers interested in maintaining it as W10 keeps evolving.

Now move on please.

 

[storm-chaser]

Apparently you have a selective memory as well, because on page 1 you clearly state Start 10 comes out on top.

Also selective memory on the InfoWorld article. Here is a quote from the conclusion that you might have a problem with:

Nevertheless, I have to admit that the tinkerer in me prefers the full-on All Programs maneuverability built into Classic Shell. The ability to create my own folder hierarchies and easily move programs and folders among them, sorting in the way I prefer, puts Classic Shell ahead of Start10 in my book.

I rest my case. But I must be spewing nonsense right?

 

[Bill_Bright]

Apparently you have a selective memory as well, because on page 1 you clearly state Start 10 comes out on top.

I never said CS was bad. So now you have to "rest your case" by making stuff up? Or are you just hallucinating?

I said "I felt" Start 8/10 "felt" more polished and professional. And that "I felt" Start 10 "did fewer things better". I said Start 10 "works".

I also said StartIsBack is good. And the ideal is not which is better, but to avoid W10's UI. If you use CS's extra features, then "great".

But did you read your last quote? He said, because he is a tinkerer, he prefers CS. But that same person said Start 10 is clearly more sophisticated. That goes along with the "polished and professional" comment I actually did say on page one.

So my case is this, if you want a W10 start menu and UI alternative, I prefer Start10. But Classis/Open shell is a nice alternative, so is StartIsBack.

 

[storm-chaser]

I never said you said CS was bad, not sure where that is coming from. Only you implying Start 10 is better.

Yes, they are all good programs as you mentioned but when I point out the positive attributes of Classic Shell it's suddenly "nonsense" and that doesnt really doesn't hold water considering the full picture given by the article.

 

[Kursah]

Seems the thread has run it's course.