Windows 8 runs my programs without a hitch without crashing. Windows 8.1 is certainly an improvement.
A month ago, I upgraded from a Toshiba Win7 to a new ASUS Ultrabook - gorgeous and fast!
It came with Win8 and I immediately upgraded top 8.1. Although I never really used it with Win8, it’s been a GREAT machine so far - no complaints re: Win8.1
btw, I set it to boot up to the desktop which it does REALLY fast!
I also loaded my 2003 MS Office Pro and all programs run perfectly on Win8.1
Finally, I downloaded MS Expressions 4 and copied by Frontpage 2003 website files - again all runs perfect.