I wouldn't touch Windows 8 with a ten-foot pole.

It might almost be worth scrubbing it and installing 7, but talk to the dealer first before you spend the money. They might be helpful.

I typically update Windows operating systems when I absolutely have to, i.e. when my software demands it. I got this computer with WinXP 64 bit installed after Win7 had already been out for a long time. I had to scrub the system down to install it. There's no direct upgrade path to Win7 from XP, and I never went near Vista.

I didn't have any of my own software or setting installed yet, and it was a convenient time to make the jump.

I adapted to the differences, and now routinely switch between XP systems and 7 systems. Not to mention Mac OSX on my family's computers.