Like many commenters on this site, I too felt that Microsoft could have added the new features available for Windows 8, but still leave a configuration option to make the Desktop appear (and behave) like Windows 7. I found an application that's free called “Classic Shell”. I installed this software and found it to be quite customizable. I still have the Win 8 Start screen with all of the apps and attributes that this new version has to offer, but now have a Desktop that works just like Win 7. The best part – it’s free! There is an option to donate, which I will do, but it’s optional. This is true freeware.
I found this software from “The Computer Tutor” while reading an article on this exact subject (http://computertutorflorida.com/2013/02/make-windows-8-look-like-windows-7-or-windows-xp/). You can get Classic Shell by going to http://www.classicshell.net/.