It's interesting to note that OS X apps are packaged as Application bundles, whereas on Windows you have "C:\Program Files\...", C:\Windows\{some_more_programs}", etc. labyrinth of folders (sometimes given the name of the app author rather than the application's name. Somewhere buried in those subfolders is an applica~.exe which might also not be given the name of the Application).
In attempt to abstract Window's confusion away from the user, the Start Menu has folders/static shortcuts with less extra unneeded stuff, but still confusing and if you remove a Program but not the Start Menu item, the orphaned item can no longer find the Application

In this menu are items you may own, or another user may own and you have no control over, or things you can change and it changes for other users, etc... I could go on, but you get the idea...what a freaking MESS!!!
Between the Dock, Exposé, the Apps folder with App bundles, Spotlight, etc. OS X offers far more usable and elegant options to access Applications, & if you want you can also put a folder (e.g., "/Applications") on the Dock next to the Trash. On OS X its not even a default option, its more or less a tweak the user can make. As simple as it is, funny enough its a dynamic and readable list of Applications, which is far superior to MS' most popular navigation method: (click) Start Menu > (drag to) Programs > (drag to) some folder > (navigate to) a Program. OMG!
In other words, an almost hidden option on OS X which barely makes the top 5 list of ways to access Apps is way better than MS' most popular navigation method.