After hearing a lot of misinformation about Windows 8.
I thought OK new computer lets do it. As a safeguard I installed Start8. Glad I did.
1) Office Professional 2007 runs perfectly.
2) I go straight to the desktop and can do anything I did on Windows 7 (with Start8).
3) I have a bit of a look at Metro and then went straight back to Desktop.
I retired 2 years ago. So I am not exactly a spring chicken.
It seems OK. I'll get used to it. Just give me a bit of time.
You do updates through the control panel. Different, but I did it.

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Reply from Richard Rost:

I hate, HATE the fact that they got rid of the classic Start Menu. I installed Classic Shell and it brings it back nicely. I haven't tried Start8 yet, but it looks good too.  I don't care much for the "Metro" (or "Modern") interface. It was clearly designed for tablets and smartphones and I don't think it translates well to desktop/laptop computers. However, I really didn't like the RIBBON either when they first forced it down our throats in Office 2007, and now I like it. I'll give it a few months before I pass judgement.