Software Alternatives & Startups

Google Slides VS Classic Shell

Compare Google Slides VS Classic Shell and see what are their differences

Google Slides

Create a new presentation and edit it with others at the same time — from your computer, phone or tablet. Free with a Google account.

Rating
0 reviews
Classic Shell

Classic Shell was developed for Windows 8 since that was the first version of the popular operating system to forgo the iconic Start menu.

Rating
0 reviews
Pricing
Open source
Note: These products don't have any matching categories. If you think this is a mistake, please edit the details of one of the products and suggest appropriate categories.

Which is more popular?

Based on our record, Classic Shell seems to be more popular. It has been mentioned 18 times since March 2021.

social mentions
0 vs 18
Presentations popularity
100% vs 0%
alternatives listed
240+ vs 99

Base details

Website, pricing, platforms and company facts side by side.

Google Slides
Classic Shell
Website google.com classicshell.net
Pricing
Open source
Listed in

Features and specs

What each product offers, as listed by its team.

Google Slides 6 features
Classic Shell 5 features
  • Accessibility
    Google Slides is cloud-based, which means you can access your presentations from any device with an internet connection.
  • Collaboration
    Multiple users can work on the same presentation in real-time, making it easier to collaborate with colleagues.
  • Cost
    Google Slides is free to use with a Google account, offering a cost-effective solution for presentations.
  • Integrations
    It integrates seamlessly with other Google Workspace applications like Google Docs, Sheets, and Drive, enhancing productivity.
  • User-Friendly Interface
    The interface is intuitive and easy to navigate, making it accessible for users of all skill levels.
  • Automatic Saving
    Changes are saved automatically in real-time, reducing the risk of data loss.

Possible disadvantages

  • Limited Advanced Features
    Compared to other software like Microsoft PowerPoint, Google Slides may lack some advanced features and customization options.
  • Internet Dependency
    Although you can work offline with certain setups, Google Slides is primarily intended to be used online, which could be a limitation in environments with poor internet connectivity.
  • Storage Limitations
    Free Google accounts have limited storage space, which could be a constraint for large presentations with extensive media files.
  • Formatting Issues
    Sometimes, importing presentations from other software can result in formatting inconsistencies that require manual adjustments.
  • Limited Offline Functionality
    Offline functionality is available but limited compared to online use, and requires prior setup.
  • Dependency on Google Ecosystem
    Full functionality often requires integration with other Google products, which may not be desirable for users who prefer other ecosystems.
  • Customizable Start Menu
    Classic Shell allows users to customize the Start Menu to a significant extent, including changing the style and appearance to resemble earlier versions of Windows (XP, Vista, and 7).
  • Performance Enhancements
    The software is lightweight and generally does not consume significant system resources, making it a performance-efficient alternative to the default Start Menu.
  • Enhanced Usability
    It brings back certain features and functionalities that are familiar and preferred by users, enhancing overall user experience, particularly for those transitioning from older Windows versions.
  • Frequent Updates
    Classic Shell is regularly updated to ensure compatibility with new Windows updates, providing a reliable solution over time.
  • Free of Cost
    Classic Shell is available for free, making it an accessible option for anyone looking to improve their Start Menu without financial investment.

Possible disadvantages

  • Limited Official Support
    As Classic Shell is developed primarily by volunteers, official support may be limited compared to commercial software.
  • Complexity
    The extensive customization options might be overwhelming for less tech-savvy users, leading to a steeper learning curve.
  • Potential Compatibility Issues
    Although updated frequently, there can be temporary compatibility issues with the latest Windows updates, requiring users to wait for the next release.
  • Lack of Modern Features
    Classic Shell aims to replicate older versions of Windows Start Menus, which might lack some of the modern features available in the default Windows Start Menu.
  • Discontinued Development
    Official development of Classic Shell was discontinued in December 2017. While community forks like Open-Shell continue the project, the lack of official development could be seen as a disadvantage.

Analysis

An editorial look at what each product does well and who it suits.

Google Slides
Classic Shell

Overall verdict

  • Google Slides is a robust and user-friendly tool that is well-suited for individuals, businesses, and educational settings seeking a collaborative and accessible presentation solution.

Why this product is good

  • Ease of use
    Google Slides offers an intuitive interface that is easy to navigate, making it accessible for users of all skill levels.
  • Integration
    Seamless integration with other Google Workspace apps like Google Docs and Google Sheets facilitates a smooth workflow.
  • Cloud storage
    Presentations are automatically saved in Google Drive, providing easy access and version control from any device.
  • Template variety
    A wide range of available templates helps users quickly create visually appealing presentations.
  • Collaboration features
    Real-time collaboration allows multiple users to work on the same presentation simultaneously, enhancing productivity and teamwork.

Recommended for

  • Students who need to create presentations for school projects.
  • Teachers delivering lectures and educational content.
  • Professionals requiring collaborative tools for team presentations.
  • Small to medium-sized businesses looking for cost-effective presentation software.
  • Individuals who prioritize cloud-based solutions and require access from multiple devices.

Overall verdict

  • Overall, Classic Shell is considered a good tool for those who want to enhance their Windows experience with more customization and a nod to classic Windows aesthetics. It's reliable, widely used, and addresses some of the usability concerns people have with newer Windows versions.

Why this product is good

  • Classic Shell is popular among users who prefer the familiar interface and user experience of older versions of Windows, particularly Windows 7 or even XP. It offers customization options for the Start Menu, Explorer, and other UI elements, allowing a more personalized and comfortable experience for those who are not fond of newer Windows UI changes.

Recommended for

    Classic Shell is recommended for users who miss the classic Windows Start menu and layout, those who find the new Windows designs less intuitive, and individuals who want more control over their interface customization. It's particularly suitable for people transitioning from older Windows versions to newer ones who wish to maintain a certain level of familiarity.

Videos

Walkthroughs and reviews on video.

Google Slides 1 video + Add
Classic Shell 3 videos + Add

How to use Google Slides and how it can help you.

Classic Shell with Windows 10!

More videos

  • - Classic Shell Review | Make Windows 8 Like Windows 7 with Classic Shell
  • - Classic Shell 4.0.2 Review

Category popularity

How often each product is chosen within a category, 0–100% relative to the other.

Score bands 0–20 21–40 41–50 51–60 61–100
Google Slides
Classic Shell
100% 100%
0% 0%
0% 0%
100% 100%
100% 100%
0% 0%
0% 0%
LMS
100% 100%

User comments

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Reviews and articles

External articles and on-site reviews we used to compare the two products.

Google Slides no reviews yet
Classic Shell no reviews yet

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We have no reviews of Classic Shell yet. Be the first one to post

Social recommendations and mentions

Recommendations tracked on public social media and blogs since March 2021.

Google Slides 0 mentions
Classic Shell 18 mentions

Tracking Google Slides since Mar 2021.

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Alternatives to Google Slides and Classic Shell

When comparing Google Slides and Classic Shell, you can also consider the following products.