Start8 is the best solution to bring back the missing Start menu in Windows 8.  Stardock has released a new beta update for registered users and subscribers to Object Desktop with various improvements and fixes.

Update includes:

• Added Start8tweak.exe advanced configuration for extra options including enabling / disabling Start8 on a per account basis.
• Added email category to search results.
• Added support for Modern UI app closing to return to the desktop rather than the Windows 8 menu on advanced settings.
• Added native support for the DisplayFusion secondary taskbar.
• Added support for BMP files as start button. RGB (255,0,255) is permitted for transparency.

The full update list can be found here.

A free trial download is available, and Start8 can be purchased for just $4.99.

http://www.stardock.com/products/start8/index.asp