At the center of Windows 8 is the Start screen, which presents a grid full of apps and shortcuts. Most of the rectangles lead to what Microsoft calls “Metro-style apps,” which preserve the same general aesthetic as the OS itself. These apps can feed live information to the Start screen as well, drawing the user in. The old and familiar desktop version of Windows can be accessed through the “Desktop” icon on the Start screen, but users will be booting into the Metro interface from now on.
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