It's a fantastic operating system with a schizophrenic user interface.  The dual Metro/Windows desktop paradigm is a thorough clusterfsck.  If you don't mind the UI, go for it.

Performance-wise, whatever you have now should be fine.  I have it on three systems here: two 2008-era desktops plus one modern but low-end netbook and all three are quite responsive.

I havent yet taken the step. I took a look but it seems i have to upgrade a lot of my programs if i do. Ie its not compatable with older versions of office, and i dont want to have to buy yet another upgrade from microsoft. Also it seems that a lot of software upgrades need to be done manually , ie ones for the monitor, one for the media, and one for the modem. So i was put off a little by it. just my pov, would love to hear from someone who has done the upgrades. 

<<<The dual Metro/Windows desktop paradigm is a thorough clusterfsck.>>>

I agree. I'm using it on a brand new desktop and am finding it...challenging;-) - to say the least

I just put Classic Shell on one machine and Start8 on the other.  Classic Shell is free and more customizable.  Start8 gets the nod for having the most faithful duplication of the Windows 7 "feel".

I gave that Metro tile bullshit a six week run, figuring that I'm just old and grumpy and I don't like change and I'll get used to it.  No... The new UI really is craptacular.  It's like something that an obscure Linux distro might have tried (and abondoned) ten years ago.

If you go on the microsoft site you can upgrde for £15 (this is for people who have new laptops, but they dont run any cehcks) 

I know someone who has upgraded and has subsequently restored 7 because they had too many problems 

well I did the upgrade... easiest upgrade ive ever done with windows. However it seems to hide all the programmes youve previously installed, makes its own programs the default ones.. and the GUI IS a nightmare!!.... I also really dont like the way it shows skype as a full screen thing, not easy to use anymore.. cant see the icons or whose online.. any advice anyone ? 

thanks

I gave the new Windows8 a glance, and decided to postpone using it for as long as I can. Windows7 is great and I'm used to it, don't see the big advantage in taking the time to learn the new system.

Thanks Nir - going by previous posts thats exactly what I am going to do as well. Thanks everyone for your input - seems if it aint broke don't fix it !!

Been testing the developer & release previews on virtual machines & I have mixed feelings about Windows 8. I agree with Richard, it performs great.

MS seems to have forgotten their niche, that millions of people use their OS for 'computing' and force-feeding the Metro UI, that seems more suited for 10-year old n00bs on smartphones - is a moronic move.

Classic Shell makes it acceptable, but it's ironic that with the billions & years they invested in 8, MS didn't think of it.

The Metro UI sure makes it easier for newbies to adapt to Windows & may help them expand their userbase, but seems very touch-screen focussed. It'll be a while before it takes over Windows 7 as my primary OS. I don't foresee it happening on my non-touchscreen notebook that I use the most. If & when I get the Surface Pro...

I tested it on a virtual machine too and thought it was quite interesting, but unless I got a touchscreen stuff, I will keep my good old Windows 7 which works very well.

Ive managed to find my programs on Windows 8, it seems to store them in a completely different folder than on previous version. I upgraded from vista business, and the upgrade was very easy. Installing old programs to suit, and the extra charges for downloading seem a bit like a rip off, especially when you are supposed to download the media player, which is actually not needed, if you have itunes. All pc manufacturers support systems dissapear in favour of microsoft ones. You also need to re-install a lot of programs, which are not W8 compatable. However that said they system runs smoothly, and as previously mentioned theres always a way to go back classic. So far so good apart from the GUI, which i dislike immensly, and the skype issue im still trying to resolve.  

Here's a great definitive user-guide and review (Tom's Hardware) for anyone looking for more information on Windows 8, everything you might want to know before making the switch or for people who have made the switch and want some questions answered, well worth a read if you're seriously considering Windows 8 or if you're looking at getting a new laptop any time in the near future.

I have ADHD and I have windows 8, it was hard! Win8 cost me 1 day of sweat, tears and hair to get use to it, now is´s been on for 1 week and so far so good! Everyday comes up questions and needs to fix the problems. But if you are up for it and have time, then you should go for it! And lets be honest with every product from Microsoft it takes time and effort to fix their problems.