Miss the way Windows XP would show all your installed software in one big list? Here are two ways to restore that capability in Windows 7.

The Windows Start menu is the master index to everything in the computer. When programs are installed normally, their names and logos are placed in the "All Programs" menu (see below).

TTGSteve asked the Windows forum to recommend a good Start Menu program for Windows 8.

One is for programs installed for all users, the other for programs installed only for the current user. With the StartAllBack Start menu, you can access both folders.

Instead, if you want to open multiple programs from your Start menu (without it closing each time you do so), there’s a little trick you can use. And it’s absurdly easy.

Bothered by programs that start when you boot your computer, or want to add a new one? You need to know how to change startup programs. It's quick and easy.

First, open up Start > All Programs, and search through the menu for the app you want to start at boot. Right-click on it and hit "Copy". This will copy the shortcut.

Adding shortcuts on the right side of the Start menu isn't a particularly complicated task. From the Programs list, right-click a program shortcut and then click Pin to Start. That adds a tile you can ...