Ok lets go with this Start Button thing.
I had Win 8 installed on a test rig for a short period but had to move on to builds.

So you just installed a new program, where does it show up now so that you can launch it ?
Are you forced to use a desktop shortcut or does it appear some place else ?

I know basic noob question on Win 8 here, wish I had the test rig setup so I could mess with it.