Classic Shell: Forum

1. I agree links should be placeable on the start menu.

2. Future versions of classic shell will likely alway be free. Much of what you want can be accomplished already (and falls beyond the current scope of classic shell)

Windows Aero Theme:
(http://xxinightxx.deviantart.com/art/Aero-8-350491112)

If you want blur behind the windows, taskbar and start menu: http://www.msfn.org/board/topic/161788-aero-glass-for-win8-rc4/
(Note: only the classic shell beta supports blur)

I've seen reference to successful shadows and rounded corners before on windows 8, though i'm not sure where off hand, so its already possible..

Aero Snap still works so does Aero shake

The startup image can also be replaced, though i hear it is rather buggy, and can cause your system to be unbootable if done incorrectly

2. What Jcee said.

1. Looks like Chrome's icon is in a format that is not recognized by the start menu. I made a note to look at that in the future. In the mean time you can drop the URL first on the Desktop to create a shortcut, then drop that shortcut in the start menu.

This page seems to describe it? http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/windows/desktop/bb776902(v=vs.85).aspx (CFSTR_INETURL)

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Links to some general topics:

● Compare Start Menus

● Read the Search box usage guide.

I am a Windows enthusiast and helped a little with Classic Shell's testing and usability/UX feedback.