I hope it is XP with renewed support. Windows 8 is terrible.
Windows 8 on the desktop mode placed side by side with windows 7 = same
Have you tried classic shell and just use the desktop - works fine for me. There are issues that certainly need some work - like when a program opens from the metro side there is no way to shut it down other than through the task manager!!!
I have no qualms with Windows 8. Never used it, never will.