For me the Start Menu is for Services, Search, and Run. Access to everything else is via a desktop shortcut corralled into one of nine "Fences" (from Stardock): Housekeeping, Graphics, Words, Utilities, Security/Backup, Communications, Current Work, Temp, and Drives. The only free-roaming icons are Resources (aka "My Computer" - Yuk!) and Recycle Bin. I guess I really wouldn't miss the Start Menu.