On Windows 7 and previous versions, I reorganize the start menu according to my scheme: I have folders named "Dev", "Internet", "Office", etc. and once an application is installed I just move its icon in the appropriate folder.

Also, I use ClassicShell http://classicshell.sourceforge.net/ to have a start menu with the Windows 2K look and I hide the search box, which I have no need of with my organization.