if you right click on the start bar and go to explore all users then to programs. what I do is create subfolders ex: Anti-virus, internet apps, imaging apps...etc. then just drag and drop them into the new folders. Then when I click on start I only have 1 column. I think this is what you mean.

P.S. glad to see another photographer aboard. I dont shoot professionally anymore mainly just a hobby. couldnt get by on the money that I was making here in san diego.