AA>> Apparently, the metro ui can be disabled: AA>
 AA>> ..and also bring back a more familiar look: AA>

 AZ> Interesting... I am puzzled, though, as to why anyone would go
 AZ> to the trouble to download and install this pre-release
 AZ> version of Windows and then disable its key features - if you
 AZ> want to run Win 7, run Win 7!


Apparently, Win8 has core OS improvements over Win7, not just the default
metro UI look.  This Win8 pre-release "look" seems to be targeted
for tablets or perhaps a desktop/all-in-one with a touch screen.  If there
will be a Win8 is intended for desktop users, those users who prefer an
uncluttered desktop look will *not* want to deal with metro.  Maybe the
production release will have desktop and tablet options.

--- Thunderbird 2.0.0.24 (Windows/20100228)