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.