Every new O/S is like that. There is a significant learning curve. I got fed up and started using a Linux O/S so I don't have to fight the virus attacks that Windows seemed to attract.
I hate 8 also. Have you loaded 8.1 ? It's a little bit better. One thing I've learned is when you can't seem to go anywhere from the page you have loaded, hit the little flag key on your keyboard, that will take you back to "start", then click on desktop icon and you'll get back to where you were. Why we can't just click "back" I have no idea. Piece of crap !
Basically because the program instructions are often so 'vague' I found the easiest way to learn a new procedure or process is to 'google' it. You kind of have to sort things out but in most cases it's written in normal language (not geek).
Mike
Slowly I'm coping with it or at least I can navigate around now. I'd like the nerds by the b_____s who put the 'swipe' function in Windows 8. I don't have even own a smart phone or Blackberry. Might load 8.1 in a bit once my wife finishes our taxes. We'll see.
I never could understand when they have something that works well like Vista or Windows 7 then decide they have to 'improve' the product (kind of like Chiefs and Champs ).
Mike
It does not matter if the new software is an improvement or not. You notice that the new versions always come out in November or so? Thats so it can be rammed down our throats during the Christmas sales season.
The chip makers have to eat and they re-invent the microprocessor every six to eight months. The new features lie dormant until a software company writes code to utilize their capabilities. What the two groups learned back in the 90's was this is a cash cow. Planned obsolescence.
Joe correctly identified the bottom line as the motivation, which we (as a culture) stimulate by our desire for the new and better version.
Windows 8 is simply trying to keep up with your mobile device and it never will because you use each in a different environment to accomplish the same task.