New to Win 8.1 pro - recommendations?

Well I use ModernMix often since I use the integrated PDF viewer, Xbox Music, and things like that.

ObjectDock is still one of my personal favorites and I use it on Windows 8.1 just fine.

Thanks Island Dog. Is Object Dock something used with the modern interface, the desktop interface or both?

Just the desktop.  There is something a bit similar called Launch8, just for the start screen.

https://www.stardock.com/products/Launch8/

Ahh, thanks! Will take a closer look at both.

IMO, Start8 is a must. But some *cough* Phoons...er, I mean fools like the start screen.

Have fun with 8.1.........I've been enjoying it for some time now and much prefer it to 7. Explore the Windows App store and pick up some enhancements. 

Now Sheepherder... I was not going to come in here, but I heard your yodels.

Live with what you know, or learn something different. It's up to you how far behind you want to fall.

(I still use Win7 for 9 hours+ per day so I retain my skills with the clunky legacy start menu).

I hope MS puts this to rest with the next major update. I think it will be a happy medium between the two.

Buff, I did take a year to learn/use the new metro start screen. I much prefer the start menu. (Plus I enjoy calling you Buff Phoon)    

I like a lot about Windows 8.1, but the metro start screen is a nice place to visit, I just don't want to live there.

I still maintain that Windows 8.1 is better with resources, and I like that about it.

Absolutely the first thing I installed! It is a great product.

Thanks to all for the input! Time to just use this for a while and see what shakes out.

Hi Leo, another Stardock tool you might want to consider is Modernmix, which allows you to use Modern apps on the desktop side by side and minimise them to the taskbar for convenience while you perform other tasks.  While you may not use them as yet, there are many Modern apps in various categories which are quite useful on a daily basis.  Moreover, Modernmix allows you to open multiple Modern apps at once, something default Windows 8.1 does not allow, and they're easily accessible with one click from the taskbar.

Another program suite you may also want to look at for Win 8.1 is Winstep Xtreme.  I use it in conjunction with Stardock apps to enhance my Win 8.1 experience and believe that you too might find it useful.

Classic shell is my first install to remove Windows 8 metro start menu. Nice replacement and rock solid. 

Thanks Starkers and DontShootUK, will definitely take a look at those.

DontShootUK, correct me if I'm wrong, but would Classic Shell not be doing the same thing that Start8 does? Or does that go further somehow?

Both proggies do pretty much the same thing... replace the start button/menu. However, Start8 is customisable using Windowblinds. As far as I know, Classic Shell is not skinnable using WB... unless something changed recently.  I somehow doubt it, though. 

Thing is, Classic Shell is freeware so it won't cost you to try it.  However, I gave it a go prior to the release of Start8 but switched immediately once that became available [which is a standalone for 5 bucks or as a part of the Object Desktop subscription]. 

For me, though, the choice was obvious... it has to be skinnable.

Thanks again Starkers! Guess that is easy enough then, seeing as I already have Start8 as per my OP.