No, it is not the same as using the command line. With the command line, you have to change directory, run a dir listing to make sure you have the spelling then start your app. Or else set up your path and/or a batch file to start apps automatically. (The command line can be very efficient, but that is another issue.)

With Windows 8, you can do any of the following:

* Press the Windows key, and click on your app icon,
* Press Windows + Q and click on your icon,
* Press Windows and type your apps name and press enter.

All three work fine, and none are like using the command line. All are at least as easy as Windows 7 equivalent actions.

In Windows 7, you pressed the Windows key, or clicked on the start button, then dug through the menus, then started your app. Or else you ran them off the start menu itself after first setting them up, which is the same Windows key + click icon. There really was no equivalent in Windows 7 to the Windows key + Q, which has all the advantages of the old Windows 7 menu in that it lays out all your apps in categories, but it is easier to use than Windows 7 because you don't have to dig down through the menus.

The point is that the command line (which can be very efficient) involves typing and paths, while Windows 8 is just hit a single key (or wave the mouse) and click on an icon. They are very different models. Starting an app in Windows 8 works as efficiently as Windows 7, has all the same features, but adds some new ones in terms of presentation and ease of use.