Windows 8/8.1 is alright, but in my opinion, the only real way they can be used is with a mod like Start8 to give you access to a traditional start menu. The Metro UI is a pain without a touch screen system.
I don't like windows 8, there is too many error and this version of windows only suitable with weak computer. If you want to optimize your computer performance, I suggest using Windows 7 ultimate 64 bit
I am using Windows 8.1, but I have disabled the Metro UI because well, without a touchscreen, it is cumbersome. I still like the flat look of the Windows 8, so I guess that's a plus 🙂
When I had access to my HP, it had Windows 8 on it. Personally I loved it. Then after two years my fan went out and I had to replace. The day I did that my husbands computer started having issues that were just going to cost way too much to repair. When that happend, I reformatted the HP and restored it to factory default so he would have a complete user to use and I was forced to use my MacBook Pro for everything. Long story short, I don't use windows any more, but when I did I used Windows 8.
I've been using Windows 8.1 for a while now and so far it's fine. After a while you know where most things are so it is not that different compared to older versions. Other than new layout I don't know what's so different from this software compared to the old ones, though. XD
One of my computers has Windows 8.1. Really, a lot of the things in Windows 8.1 are minor annoyances if anything. I wouldn't say it's a bad operating system, just a failed attempt. Windows 10 is looking good, though.