I currently run Window 7 and recently bought a laptop with Windows 8. It was apparently designed for people who do little but surf the net and shop. I managed to transfer a picture file but the file on Windows 8 is extremely cumbersome. I could not transfer Word files. I won’t take the time to list all my dislikes.
I had no problem changing from the 90 series to XP or 2000 and Windows 7.
Just get Classic Shell (free) and you will effectively have Windows 7 with quicker boot and more efficient kernel.