Start8 essentially turns the non-desktop into a real desktop with a log more features than even the old Start menu. When Windows 8, first came out, the biggest outcry about it was the lack of a start button. To have to drag your mouse to a corner of the window to get buttons allowing you to get to the charms is nuts. There is a rudimentary start button, but it is very difficult to even get your mouse pointer on. There are several substitutes for the Start button. Once you install it, you won't be able to live without it.
If you are using SSDs, the new BIOS replacement UEFI is basically the best to use. There is a place during install where you can choose UEFI rather than MBR of GPT.