Hi Grammaofsix,

     Windows 8.1 is MUCH more likely to be familiar to users than the 8.0 release. Once you've updated to Windows 8.1 you should go to windows update and install ALL the critical and recommend updates as well as some of the optional updates. 

     To do this correctly you will need to enter the control panel and select windows updates. Once you're there:

• In the left hand side click "Change Windows Update Settings"
• Select "Install Critical Updates Automatically."
• Also select "Get Recommended updates the same way I receive Critical Updates."
• Select Check for Updates
• When Windows Update starts searching, click the small link under the progress bar that says "Get updates for other Microsoft products"
• Accept the license agreement by putting a tick mark in the box provided
• Windows Update will restart automatically. Install ALL Critical and Recommended updates
• Review the Option Updates that are listed and select ALL but the ones you don't want (possibly BingBar etc) 

You should select Check For Updates a few times even after the Windows update says "your computer is up to date" Until it comes back with "Your computer is up to date." AND the search results say "There are no updates available for your computer." This will ensure that your Windows 8.1 is current and stable.

You will find after this process that you have a Window logo to the start screen. The start screen has a power button in the upper right hand corner...in addition to it's original location exclusively on the swipe-in Charms bar. You will also be able to more effectively organize your start screen with the ability to resize and better organize Tiles. 

My advice is to Stick with 8.1 as Microsoft has announced that updates will not be distributed for 8 and that 8.1 will also not receive updates any longer until the mandatory Windows 8.1 Update 1 is installed....which is part of your Windows Update process as I've described here. Good Luck! 

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