I have no problem with Win 8.1 - I downloaded "Start Menu X" for free and it does what the old XP start menu did. I spend 10 bucks for the upgrade because as a software author, I understand we are underpaid for the amount of time - plus the upgrade gave me some unnecessary but convenient extra functions.
It opens up on the desktop and there is no reason to see the metro interface at all.
Some of the functions of 8.1 are better than 7, and I miss a few things about 7 too, but all and all I think 8.1 is better.
I'll probably go for the 10 upgrade when it becomes available (I'll wait until the cutting edge/bleeding edge is over before installing it though).
I still have a 2002 ThinkPad running onstage with XP, and another newer one in the studio running some old programs.
I've really had no problem with any MS program, but I did avoid Win2000 and Vista because I didn't need a new computer back then and everything wasn't broken - so why fix it?
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