Are all of you one-handed? Do none of you have keyboards? The Start screen and your programs aren't multple clicks a way, it is a single tap of the Windows key to get access. Then you can launch your app with a single click. You did put your most commonly used couple dozen programs right up at the front of the Start screen didn't you? And then you unpinned all the MS apps that you'll never use too right?

I've been using Win 8 at work, for about a week now, and I like it. The Start screen, combined with pinning to Taskbar, is infinitely better than endless desktop icons and a tray full of quick launch shortcuts.

Also, I'm sure I'll get an "insensitive clod" for that one-handed remark.

An Ubuntu Live CD is the answer. You can boot it up on any x86 system and use it to your heart's content. you won't be able to save anything, unless you mount your local drive and save there, or pop in a USB stick.

Congratulations. You were quoted in a CNet article on the GIM Client.

http://news.com.com/2100-1032-5842511.html