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Last on the list is likely the most unpopular annoyance introduced in Windows 8, the lack of Start menu. For touchscreen users, the Start screen is likely an improvement over the Start menu. The big bold tiles and touch gestures make tapping your way into apps much easier than scrolling through a cramped menu. For mouse users though, the new interface results in a lot more mouse movement and scrolling to get where you need to go.
To bring the Start menu back, you have a number of options. If you don't like the idea of installing a third-party application and utilizing additional system resources, you can create a menu of your own. If you're not hurting for resources and are more interested in advanced features and a polished interface, there are a number of free applications you can install that will give you exactly what you need.
Conclusion
In the end, Windows 8 may still not be the Windows 7 successor you were hoping for, but it will be a lot closer. By tweaking the features you don't like and keeping those you do, you can personalize your environment to work the way you want it to.
To bring the Start menu back, you have a number of options. If you don't like the idea of installing a third-party application and utilizing additional system resources, you can create a menu of your own. If you're not hurting for resources and are more interested in advanced features and a polished interface, there are a number of free applications you can install that will give you exactly what you need.
Conclusion
In the end, Windows 8 may still not be the Windows 7 successor you were hoping for, but it will be a lot closer. By tweaking the features you don't like and keeping those you do, you can personalize your environment to work the way you want it to.