The previews for the Windows 8 Start Panel look incredibly exciting. Most users can't wait to have an interface that starts with a screen full of rectangular icons that resemble a glossy brochure such as one might receive at a convention or trade show. It's this kind of original, cutting-edge, groundbreaking artistic design that makes Microsoft so famous for user interface excellence. Who could have anticipated that Microsoft developers would take something like an real estate advertising brochure and use that as the basis for an operating system interface? It boggles the mind. And for those who literally can't wait for Windows 8 to be released, theres the Windows 8 Start Panel application.

The Windows 8 Start Panel application allows users to make their Windows 7 desktop look like the Windows 8 Start Panel, with all of its huge rectangular icons on a plain, dark-blue background. Taking minimalism to the extreme, this background will make Windows 7 desktops appear as though somehow the user has actually upgraded to Windows 8 when they actually haven't done so. This is perfect for those who simply can't afford to upgrade to Windows 8 just yet but still want their computer to look like it has Windows 8 installed.

It's time for users to take control of their desktop interfaces and make them look however they want them to look. Windows 8 Start Panel helps users do this by providing the functionality as well as the look and feel of Windows 8 for those who still use Windows 7. It's the perfect compromise for anyone looking to save money while revamping their interface, especially since it's available for nothing.