Windows 8 - toolbars or their equivalent?

[bibblebub]

When running a program using Windows 8 Metro how does one start running another program at the same time?

Currently, using Windows 7, I leave my current window alone, I use a taskbar toolbar to get an alphabetical list of programs (e.g. those on the desktop) and start running one of them using the mouse and when I exit that program my original window is still there. I find it so much quicker to be able to select from an alphabetical list of programs than having to find which of the desktop icons represents the one I want, I don’t have to faff around with any windows, just leave the current ones as they are, and there is no need to use the keyboard.

But with Windows 8 Metro there is no taskbar - so is there a standard way to bring up a list of programs without having to go through the rigmarole of reducing my current window, then locating the app I want from amongst all the tiles (or having to use the keyboard to search for it), and finally, when I have finished with that, restoring the original window to get back to where I started?

I hope that is a bit clearer than mud, and thanks in advance for any (sensible) replies.

[bibblebub]

Oh well, I guess I'll just have to stick to the desktop when I get W8.

[ChuckFickens]

If I get a chance today I'll have a look at the test machine I've got with W8 on it...

[bibblebub]

thanks